Philadelphia native and celebrated singer Jill Scott returned to her hometown to witness the unveiling of a mural in her honor at her alma mater, Girls High School.
The event took place on Thursday, May 30, just ahead of her headlining performance at the Roots Picnic over the weekend.
The mural, part of the celebrations for Girls High School’s 175th anniversary, features a 900-square-foot depiction of Scott alongside faceless girls symbolizing power, strength, and community.
Against a mustard yellow backdrop, the girls are adorned with halos and crowns, while Scott is portrayed in a bright red dress, smiling at the viewer.
The mural also includes the school’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit” (“She conquers who conquers herself”), in Latin emanating from Scott’s mouth.
Reflecting on the visit to her high school, Scott said:
“It’s surreal, is what it is. I definitely remember and had a flood of emotions from the smells walking down the hallway. I just had to touch the lockers. I had to touch the pink marble. I remember myself here very, very well.”
The artwork was designed by artist Patrick Dougher in collaboration with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia.
Select students participated in a “paint day” session, where they helped paint the mural and wrote positive notes or intentions on its back to symbolize the ongoing spirit of the school.
The mural, which will be located on Broad Street facing the school building, is set to be unveiled to the public in July.
“I never imagined that I would be on the side of the Philadelphia High School for Girls,” Scott remarked. “It was such a coup to even come to this school. I thought I could be talented, but I don’t want to be dumb and talented, you know, I didn’t want to be misused and talented.”
