These past four months Mural Arts Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Citizen, and The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School joined forces to produce a truly Philadelphia tribute to honor the life and legacy of The Honorable Judge A. Higginbotham Jr.
With the creation of an editorial series, a public art mural, and a live in person dedication event; the memory of Judge Higginbotham Jr will continue to be a voice for leadership and inspire a new generation.
A pioneer for civil rights, Judge Higginbotham Jr. was the nation’s first African American district court judge appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977 and the first African American appointee to a federal regulatory body by President Kennedy who placed him on the Federal Trade Commission. Judge Higginbotham Jr was also Philadelphia’s first African American Assistant District Attorney that served under Richardson Dilworth.
The original art piece for the Higginbotham mural titled Famous Warrior, was designed by Philadelphia native, Shawn Theodore.
Philadelphia residents along with the Penn Carey Law staff contributed to the painting and development of the mural with the Penn Carey Law school hosting a community paint day in the schools courtyard.
The Penn Carey Law staff provided pizza and refreshments for the participating painters as well as paint supplies so everyone could showcase their artistic talent.
On Wednesday November 2nd 2022, Mural Arts Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Citizen, and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School unveiled the finished mural honoring the legacy of Judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr which is displayed proudly outside of the Mercy LIFE West Philadelphia Hospital located at 4508 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA.