Mayor Bhalla cuts ribbon on 7th & Jackson Community Mural

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken joined Hoboken community members to cut the ribbon on the 7th & Jackson Community Mural, a 2,025-square-foot public art installation honoring the history, culture, and community of Hoboken's west side. The ribbon cutting was held on Sept. 29, at the 7th & Jackson Resiliency Park, marking the culmination of a months-long collaborative process between local artists, youth, and residents.

Designed by Aaron Martin, lead artist with Hoboken-based Mural Painter Inc., the mural spans the eastern fence of the park and vividly brings to life scenes of everyday neighborhood life intertwined with historic imagery and natural motifs. With its dynamic, collage-style composition, the mural serves as a living tribute to west side residents whose contributions have helped shape the identity of Hoboken.

"This mural is a collective memory, a visual celebration of the west side's legacy, and a reminder of the strength that comes from community," said Mayor Bhalla. "Accessible public art like this plays a vital role in shaping our shared spaces. It sparks dialogue, inspires pride, and makes our neighborhoods more vibrant and inclusive. From the hands of our young artists to the stories of our seniors, every brushstroke speaks to Hoboken's unity and pride. This mural will be a landmark and a vibrant invitation for all of us to honor the past while continuing to shape Hoboken's future together as a community."

"This mural is deeply personal to me, because it tells the story of the people I grew up with and the neighborhood that shaped who I am," said Third Ward Councilman Mike Russo, who represents the neighborhood. "Bringing this park to life has always been about creating a space where our community feels seen, celebrated, and connected. With this community mural, the park has become a real tribute that captures the pride, resilience, and shared history of the west side. Thank you to the Administration, the Division of Cultural Affairs, and most of all, the neighbors for coming together to make this project possible."

"I am so grateful to the Arts Advisory Committee for spearheading the vision and concept for this mural to both honor the stories of Hoboken residents and bring vibrant, beautiful artwork to the neighborhood around the Damon Murray Gymnasium," said At-Large Councilwoman Emily Jabbour. "The execution of this mural then incorporated the efforts of local children, youth, and neighbors to bring this concept to life, creating another dimension for the legacy of this artwork. Thank you to the City of Hoboken and the Division of Cultural Affairs for supporting projects like this one to strengthen our community."

The mural prominently features figures of Hoboken's west side, including:

• Coach Johnny Ray "Diddle" McDonald Jr., a beloved community mentor, coach, and advocate for youth sports who dedicated decades of service to local athletics and youth development.
• Elizabeth Falco, Hoboken's first Black principal and a founding member of the Hoboken NAACP, remembered for her groundbreaking leadership and dedication to educational equity.
• Edgar "Butch" Sanchez, a local boxing legend and inductee into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, whose legacy of discipline, resilience, and mentorship continues to inspire.

Local flora including native Hudson County species like goldenrod, eastern redbud, and milkweed, symbolizing both the natural beauty and the ongoing environmental resilience of the west side.

In addition to these iconic figures, the mural incorporates photos submitted by west side residents, family portraits, block parties, graduations, and scenes from neighborhood events, woven alongside historic images provided by the Hoboken Historical Museum.The project was developed by the City of Hoboken's Division of Cultural Affairs and the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee as part of the City's Public Art Master Plan, with funding from the Public Art Trust. Mural Painter Inc., founded by local artist Emily Strauss, was selected to lead the project and integrate it into the City's Summer Arts programming.

A key component of the initiative was the Mural Arts Workshop, a free summer program for local youth ages 8 to 14, held at the Damon Murray Community Gym next to the mural site. Guided by teaching artists from Mural Painter Inc., owned by Emily Strauss, students were taught essential painting techniques, mural design, and how to tell stories through visual art.

Students and community members also had the opportunity to contribute directly to the painting of the mural once the initial design was outlined on the wall by Mural Artist Inc.

The 7th & Jackson Community Mural is part of Hoboken's Public Art Master Plan, which outlines a citywide vision for creating inclusive, engaging public art that reflects Hoboken's unique character.

To learn more about the City's Public Art Master Plan, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/public-art-master-plan.

To learn more about the City's Division of Cultural Affairs, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/cultural-affairs.