Ben Fletcher Mural Unveiling & Celebration

Join us for a mural unveiling and celebration! Years in the making, Philadelphia's Delaware waterfront will soon be home to a new mural celebrating the history of Ben Fletcher and the workers of Local 8 who worked on the river in the early 20th century. We've been working alongside Mural Arts & the Philly IWW to bring this project to fruition and are excited to celebrate this powerful and inspirational history with all of you. All are welcome!

Who are Ben Fletcher and Local 8?

Born in Philadelphia in 1890, Ben Fletcher was among the greatest African American union organizers in US history. Fletcher helped lead Local 8 of the Marine Transport Workers, itself part of the Industrial Workers of the World, which organized thousands of multiethnic, multiracial dockworkers in the WWI era when Philadelphia was among the busiest ports in the country. Yet for many years this powerful history remained relatively unknown and under-recognized in the city where Fletcher and his fellow workers once worked, organized, and defied expectations. We are honored and excited to help share this incredible history with more members of our community.