UNK P: Legendary Coach, Father, and Friend

UNK P: Legendary Coach, Father, and Friend is located in the Sharswood neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A winning submission of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s public mural application process, this project honors the life of Paul “Unk P” Gripper, a North Philadelphia community member who inspired and mentored young men—many of whom garnered entrance and scholarship to college—through the game of basketball. Paul was described as a larger-than-life figure, known for his loud, bragadocious personality. He embodied the spirit of Philadelphia—always cracking jokes and having fun, often silly but uplifting. Paul had a heart as big as his stature and was considered “a teddy bear with street smarts” by those closest to him. He often wore sneakers or Timberland boots. He was a beloved basketball coach and a father figure to many young people in the community.

The mural contains the quote: “If the youngsters call you OG or Unk, it’s your job from making bad decisions.”