Climate Justice in Lenapehoking
The Climate Justice Initiative mural is the first and only mural in Philadelphia that tells the story of the past, present, and future of climate justice in Lenapehoking. Four hundred feet long and three years in the making, this immense work of public art grapples with centuries of environmental harms and injustices, while also manifesting local and regional solutions to inspire hope for a more just future. The mural image draws on the words and experiences of front-line organizers, activists, and artists, centering the leadership of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color.
FAQs:
What is climate justice?
Climate justice begins with the understanding that climate change’s effects are experienced inequitably. Marginalized communities face disproportionate impacts, and are least-responsible for climate pollution. Climate justice addresses the social, economic, and health inequities experienced by underserved communities.
Who was included in the mural design process, and why?
CJI COLLABORATORS are organizers, activists, and leaders in communities on the front-lines of environmental justice, working to create a more just future. Environmental hazards affect marginalized communities, especially communities of color, the most. For this reason, Mural Arts’ Environmental Justice Department projects are rooted in front-line communities, centering their knowledge, expertise, and vision.
Who is represented in the mural, and why?
The people in this mural represent some of the individuals and organizations who are working towards climate justice in Lenapehoking (the ancestral homelands of the Lenape people, including Philadelphia and the rest of the Delaware River watershed).
What does (x, y, z) represent?
If you have questions about specific mural imagery, we encourage you to watch the animated video Change for Climate Is Here to learn more!
What reactions do you hope to provoke or inspire in people who see this mural?
At a minimum, we hope that this public artwork inspires viewers to ask questions, to process their own feelings about the climate crisis and its root causes, and to learn more about the stories and communities that inspired this mural. Ultimately, we also hope that viewers take the next step to get involved with one of our collaborating organizations, either by volunteering their time, donating money, attending an event, or responding to a call-to-action.
What are you hoping to achieve with this mural?
Art alone cannot solve the climate crisis. However, we believe that through storytelling and representation, we can inspire people of all ages to analyze the connections between land, air, trash, and climate, and to examine how their own choices and actions are influenced by history and shape the present and the future.
How and why was this site chosen for the mural?
We approached over 70 different wall owners in the Philadelphia area to host this groundbreaking mural. This building was an excellent partner to the Climate Justice Initiative because of its location (close to our collaborators at the Iglesias Garden and along an developing commercial corridor that expects to experience increased pedestrian traffic), its size (over 300 feet long!), and the current usage of its facilities (with tenants including a maker space, bicycle shop, resource recycling facility, and a Mexican restaurant). We’re thrilled to be a part of this community, which has been so enthusiastic about embracing this artwork as well!