Samuel Rodriguez, founder and executive director of Walls for Justice, Philadelphia, was contacted by Philadelphia International Airport’s exhibitions program to create a unique mural for Terminal A-East Baggage Claim.  

Walls for Justice, born during the nationwide protests of 2020, painted hopeful messages and positive imagery on boarded up storefronts throughout the city to signify support for the community. Many were created with the help of passersby who offered to volunteer and help paint. Nearly two years later, Rodriguez remains inspired because “he knew that public art could bring together artists, communities, and businesses to create positive change through art.”  The airport was eager to partner with Walls for Justice by providing them with a highly visible location to share their talents and uplifting artwork with people from all over the world.

The team designed a colorful, pattern-filled mural that features the phrase, We the People of Tomorrow, along with iconic Philadelphia symbols. The painting was inspired as a greeting to everyone passing through this area of the airport and share a forward-thinking dream for the future.

Rodriguez has been especially pleased with the diversity of the volunteers who have joined in the painting process while on site at the airport. Some included an airline employee on break and even several passengers helped paint. Walls for Justice will work on the project at PHL through Sunday, April 3rd.

"The airport is proud to be partnering with Philly-based Walls for Justice whose paintings focus on messages of positivity and empowerment,” said Leah Douglas, PHL’s Director of Guest Experience. “It is wonderful opportunity to share the experience of painting with so many amazing volunteers.”