Roots Musician Helps Unveil Mural In South Philadelphia
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The latest piece of public art was unveiled in South Philadelphia Saturday and one of the city's most famous musicians had a big role in making it possible.
The colorful portrait is of Dr. Shawn White (above photo), an AIDS and community activist who died last year. He's a childhood friend of Tariq Trotter, AKA Black Thought from The Roots.
"I feel like his passing was preventable," Trotter said. "I think it's going to create a different sense of awareness with regards to health and particularly heart and blood pressure health."
Trotter is on the board of the Mural Arts Program and has put lots of his time and money into the cause in the city.
"My foundation is South Philadelphia," he said. "And no matter how far we may travel, it's what I'll always call home and where I'll always come back to."
The colorful mural by artist Ernel Martinez can be seen at 21st and Elsworth Streets.
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