PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Keith Haring’s "We the Youth" mural in Point Breeze has received historic recognition.
On Oct. 9, the Philadelphia Historical Commission voted unanimously to add the pop artist’s mural, located on 22nd and Ellsworth Streets, to the registry of historic places.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing to have happened to identify this as the first public mural in Philly history to be identified as historic,” said Conrad Benner, the founder of art group Streets Dept.
"We the Youth" is one of Haring’s last standing murals, and his only one in Philadelphia. Painted in 1987 in collaboration with high school students from Philly and New York City, the mural sits beside a community garden that Emily Melo, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, says is integral to its place in the city.
“People have grown up and made memories around this work, played in the garden, tended to the garden, and it’s very meaningful to them. So I think we need to continue listening to the community and be responsive.”
She says protecting the mural was a community effort that proves every voice can contribute to real change.
