The Mother

The Mother was designed by artist Walé Oyéjidé and is located in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The mural lifts up commonality between the histories of longtime African American residents in the Southwest neighborhood and new immigrants to the area predominantly from West Africa. Oyéjidé is a multidisciplinary artist who employs beauty to illustrate the journeys and contributions of immigrants. He seeks to humanize newly arrived populations in the eyes of those who might otherwise discriminate against them. He works to instill self-worth in people who have experienced suffering but choose not to be defined by it. Participants in his projects are depicted as royalty as they resist the difficult circumstances that have been thrust upon them. Inspired by the experiences of brave outsiders who thrive in hostile environments, The Mother is a reminder of the grace and magic migrants bear across borders. The mural was painted by Efrain Herrera, Kien Nguyen and Dasha Prudnikova.

The mural is dedicated to two women considered to be pillars in the community:
Josephine Blow and Dr. Evelyn Graves.