15 “Afromation” Street Signs Coming To West Philly, You’re Invited To The Project Launch

A new project by Brittni Jennings and Kristin Kelly with fellow artists Lindsay Bedford and Marian Bailey will see the installation of 15 “Afromation” street signs around West Philadelphia! 

Afromation Avenue is a collection of curated positive affirmation street signs personalized by predominantly Black/African American communities throughout the city of Philadelphia. Afromation Avenue lends itself as a social emotional guide in hopes of cultivating spaces where community members feel encouraged, valued, and respected. 

Streets Dept Walls is a proud consulting/media partner for this project, and Mural Arts Philadelphia is supporting as funder. And we’d love to invite to a special walking tour of the project next week led by its creators!

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26 at 11:30 AM
WHERE: Walk starts at 52nd and Chestnut Streets and ends at Malcolm X Park 
RSVP: Event is free, and all are welcome

OTHER NOTES: Please join us for the start and stay for as long as you can. The longer you stay, the more signs you’ll see on the walk. 

Over the last couple of years, Brittni Jennings and Kristin Kelly have been developing their Afromation Avenue concept. “As two Black Philadelphia-based teachers we always encourage our students to ‘celebrate yourself on a daily,'” the pair wrote in a Op-ed for StreetsDept.com this summer. “After the murder of George Floyd we started a small initiative to create spaces of joy for our students. Our school communities were struggling with unpacking their feelings and emotions regarding police brutality against Black bodies, and we wanted to reaffirm to our students that they matter. We chose to redirect the grief, rage, and frustration of our communities and pour into Black joy curating thoughtful proclamations to encourage and empower our learners. Our positive affirmation series, Daily Afromations is a means to promote self-love, Black culture, and voice.”

Next week, the project moves into the streets with 15 brilliant signs created through community conversation and designed by Brittni, Kristin, Lindsay Bedford, and Marian Bailey. 

Hope to see y’all there!