Thank You, Mr. Blackwell!

Thank You, Mr. Blackwell by artist Peter Pagast is located in the West Powelton neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This mural is a tribute to Councilman Lucien Blackwell, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack in January 2003. Blackwell was a lifelong advocate for the homeless and a folk hero to many Black Philadelphians. He was 71 and in seemingly good health. His sudden passing took everyone by surprise, and thousands turned out to pay their respects at a series of services in his honor.

Though Blackwell had retreated from the spotlight in later years, his storied political career included stints in City Council, the Pennsylvania State House and Congress. As the photos he took with Jesse Jackson, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela can attest, his influence spanned both decades and continents. His wife, Janie Blackwell subsequently filled his Council seat.

The mural was restored in 2018.