Independence Charter School's Visionary New Mural

Along with the City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts' Restorative Justice Program and artist Ann Northrup, over 100 children, adults, and inmates came together to create Independence Charter School's "One World" mural. The mural stretches nearly 50 ft on the wall of an apartment building alongside the school. It depicts people of all ages from 60 different countries in "cinematic view of the world as one village." ICS CEO Jurate Krokys calls the mural "a testimony to the preciousness of our job as educators.. it makes kids value the school they come to and makes them feel special as well." Mural Arts Founder and Executive Director Jane Golden says the purpose of the mural is "to make a mark, create meaning, and leave us with beauty." The responses from students clearly show these missions were accomplished and more: "It's kind of what we hope the future will be."