Global Philadelphia Unveils New Public Mural at Kipp West Philadelphia Elementary Academy, Promoting Sustainable Cities and Communities

GLOBAL PHILADELPHIA UNVEILS NEW PUBLIC MURAL AT KIPP WEST PHILADELPHIA ELEMENTARY ACADEMY, PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 25, 2022):Nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Philadelphia’s global profile debuts new sustainability-themed mural in association with KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, TD Bank and Mural Arts Philadelphia.

WHO: Produced by: Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) 

Host: KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy

Sponsors: TD Bank 

Partners: Mural Arts Philadelphia 

Artist: Nazeer Sabree 

WHAT: Global Philadelphia Association meets another United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) with the unveiling of new public arts mural by young local artist, Nazeer Sabree, celebrating SDG #11 –Sustainable Cities and Communities. The mural unveiling is sponsored by TD Bank and promotes the creation of career and business opportunities, safe and affordable housing, and building resilient societies and economies.  

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action set forth by United Nations for all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. This mural will reflect Sustainable Development Goal #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities -- to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

The event will include student performances by KIPP Ballet Club, KIPP Dance Team and a poem reading by a KIPP School elementary student. Remarks will be made from Global Philadelphia and KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, TD Bank, artist Nazeer Sabree, Councilman Curtis Jones, and Randy Hayman, Commissioner, City of Philadelphia Water Department.   

WHEN: Thursday, May 26, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Remarks and performances will begin promptly at 5 PM. 

WHERE: KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy (5070 Parkside Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131). Parking lot entrance is on 51st and Columbia Streets (Please buzz the intercom and tell the security guard that you are going to KIPP).

VISUALS:   The outdoor event will provide many opportunities for photography, including:

• The new addition to Philadelphia’s public artwork community by local artist Nazeer Sabree

• Dance performances by KIPP students

• Poem reading on sustainability by KIPP Elementary School student  

• Remarks from Councilman Curtis Jones on the importance of sustainable cities and communities 

“At GPA we are committed to promoting and advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” said Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director of Global Philadelphia Association. “This new mural at KIPP Academy not only adds a beautiful new backdrop for our community, but also represents the message of building a better, more sustainable city, showcasing the work of a talented local artist, and in turn, furthering our commitment to fulfilling each of the SDG goals.” 

“Art is essential to the human experience and art that represents our students’ lives and affirms their identities adds such value to our school community. We know the ripple effect of seeing themselves reflected in this mural will be felt for years to come.” - Jessica Cunningham Akoto, CEO, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools. 

PR CONTACT: Ally Wengel: (E) wengel@cashmanandassociates.com (C) 908-914-5052

SDG Contact: Finn Martel: finn.martel@globalphiladelphia.org

About the Global Philadelphia Association:

The Global Philadelphia Association consists of more than 200 internationally involved organizations, businesses, and individuals in Greater Philadelphia. It was created to assist – and to encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity in the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the area, and to enhance Philadelphia’s global profile. For more information, visit website: globalphiladelphia.org

About KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools:

KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools (KPPS) has grown from one to seven schools educating students in the North and West sections of Philadelphia. Since 2003, KPPS has built a track record of preparing students in kindergarten through 12th

grade to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond. KPPS is one of 28 regions of KIPP’s national, non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools. KPPS currently serves 2,700 students admitted by lottery, without regard to academic record or socio-economic background.