Ben Fletcher Mural Community Paint Day

Come help paint a mural with us! We are partnering with Mural Arts & the Philly IWW to hold a community paint day where we all get to contribute to the upcoming mural celebrating the history of Ben Fletcher and Local 8. Join us at Cherry Street Pier from 2pm to 4pm Saturday March 16th. 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.