Paint Me Like I Am

Shirkey Warthen was shot and killed on April 27, 2012, in Southwest Philadelphia. He was 22 years old. He was a passionate and dedicated Youth Advocate for the Juvenile Law Center, and participated in the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts E3 Center program. While at the Mural Arts program, he wrote an award winning poem, Paint Me Like I Am, that is incorporated into the mural. At the time of his death, Shirkey was deeply involved in making a positive change in his life, as well as advocating for other youth. This mural honors his legacy with a brightly painted background and a silhouette that exemplifies his life and gives meaning to his poetry, as well as serving as a beacon to other young people and lighting up the corner of 56th and Chester avenues.