Afromation Avenue (West Philadelphia)

Afromation Avenue is a collection of curated positive affirmation street signs personalized by predominantly Black/African American communities throughout Philadelphia. The project aims to create spaces for reflective thought and conversation while honoring the cultural identity of each community. Street signs are used to guide and regulate the traffic flow of people; they assist in helping others get from one familiar place to another. Afromation Avenue lends itself as a social-emotional guide in hopes of cultivating spaces where community members feel encouraged, valued, and respected. Afromation Avenue also supports the city’s “Read By 4th” early literacy movement, the School District of Philadelphia’s social-emotional learning focus, and furthers the city’s beautification initiatives. It also hopes to drive tourism to less visited areas to continue strengthening communities struggling economically.

Location Note: In addition to signs in Germantown (2023) and Philadelphia’s 7th Ward (2024), the 2022 artworks are located on 52nd Street between Market and Pine Streets, inside Malcolm X Park, and outside the Laura Sims Skate House off of Cobbs Creek Parkway. These signs will remain in place indefinitely.