Two Murals, One Mission: Honoring Legacy Through Art in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, often referred to as the “Mural Capital of the World,” is once again amplifying its history through powerful public art. This August, Mural Arts Philadelphia, in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Phillies, unveils two significant new murals by artist Ernel Martinez: one honoring baseball icon Dick Allen and another celebrating William Still, a pivotal figure in the Underground Railroad. Though distinct in subject, both murals share a common thread, uplifting Black legacies that have shaped Philadelphia and beyond.
Dick Allen: A Home Run for History
Located at 2221 South Broad Street, just blocks from Citizens Bank Park, the new Dick Allen mural commemorates the Phillies legend who broke barriers both on and off the field. A seven-time All-Star, National League Rookie of the Year in 1964, and a fearless voice during a time of racial division in professional sports, Allen’s legacy extends far beyond the stadium. Allen was recently inducted posthumously into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His number 15 jersey was officially retired by the Phillies in 2020.
Ernel Martinez, the artist behind the piece, brings his signature style of vibrancy and emotion to the wall, capturing not just Allen’s athleticism but his enduring impact on the city.
For Martinez, this is not his first time spotlighting Philly’s greats. With celebrated works like Heart of a Champion: A Tribute to Smokin’ Joe Frazier and 76ers: Beyond the Court, he continues to highlight icons who’ve shaped cultural and community identity.
The Dick Allen Tribute Mural will be dedicated on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with the artist, Allen Family Members, members of the Phillies organization, and city officials in attendance.
William Still & Family: The Power of Collective Courage
Across town in Bella Vista, a second mural by Martinez will also be celebrated, this one at the historic home of the Still family. William Still, often referred to as the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” helped hundreds of people escape slavery and meticulously documented their stories, leaving behind an essential archive of Black resistance and survival.
Martinez’s process for this mural was deeply personal. He collaborated closely with descendants of the Still family, including Valerie and James Still, to ensure historical accuracy and emotional resonance.
“This wasn’t just a simple art decision,” Martinez explains. “It was about getting the history right and truly honoring what they did. The family wasn’t just in the background of William Still’s work; they were a huge part of it.”
After trying out many creative ideas, Martinez found a visual solution that centered William Still while honoring the strength of his family, including a thoughtful portrayal of his eldest daughter.
Through this mural, he hopes young people see themselves reflected in these stories:
“I hope they appreciate the immense power of individual courage and collective action in fighting injustice. I want them to understand the importance of documenting history, especially stories that might otherwise be forgotten.”
The William Still & Family mural will be dedicated on August 1, 2025. Ernel Martinez and descendants of William Still will be on hand for the celebration
More Than Murals: A Living History Book
To Martinez, Philadelphia’s walls are a living history book. “Murals turn regular spots into places where we can connect with and celebrate Black history,” he says. “It’s about giving these stories the visibility they deserve.”
His two newest works do just that, bringing to life the energy of a baseball legend and the quiet courage of a freedom fighter.
Though Dick Allen and William Still walked very different paths, their legacies are now forever linked through public art and Black excellence in the heart of Philadelphia.
About the Artist: Ernel Martinez
Born in Belize and raised in South Central Los Angeles and Detroit, Ernel Martinez approaches his work through storytelling grounded in community.His introduction to art began through graffiti. Martinez studied art at the Pratt Institute and obtained his BFA from Kutztown University. He later earned his MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. With Mural Arts Philadelphia, he’s spent over a decade transforming stories into vibrant, public canvases, amplifying underrepresented voices.