Men Can

Men Can by artists Paul Santoleri, Henry Bermudez and Isaiah Zagar is located in the North Philadelphia Neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was created as a focal point for the Institute for Safe Families’ Fourth Annual VDay Celebration. VDay is a global effort dedicated to bringing attention to the pandemic of violence against women and highlighting efforts to end family violence. Contained in the mural is The MEN CAN Pledge:

“As a man, I know the realities of violence against women and children. I have taken a hard look at the facts, and that facts are that millions of women and children are beaten, raped, sexually harassed and stalked every year. These women and children live in fear of what tomorrow might bring.

“Today I take a stand to stop the violence. Because I am the friend, family and companion of those who have suffered, I have made a commitment to turn my private concern into public action. I promise to treat all women and children with dignity and respect. I will intervene when I see destructive behaviors that can dehumanize and humiliate others. I will defend those who cannot defend themselves by taking action.

“I will promote a new kind of society where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, there boys are taught that violence does not equal strength and where men stand with courage, lead with conviction and speak with one voice to say “no more.”mosaic