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.

MISSION:
As creators and curators of public art, Jennings and Kelly are dedicated to their mission of challenging the monolithic narratives surrounding Black culture and history in America. Afromation Avenue’s’s why honors Fanon’s position on the most valuable asset for a colonized people, “the most essential value, because the most concrete, is first and foremost the land: the land which will bring them bread and, above all, dignity.” This street art project is a permanent fixture of a long history of Black resistance, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Through their artistic endeavors, their goal is to: cultivate a sense of belonging, pride, and empowerment; reclaiming spaces as a canvas for narratives that amplify the richness of our history; inspire action.

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.

Visit the Afromation Avenue website