Rescheduled: “Celebrate the Healer Within” Walter P. Lomax Jr., MD Mural Dedication
Celebrate the Healer Within is a mural dedication honoring Walter P. Lomax Jr., M.D. (1932–2013), the Philadelphia physician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose 32 years of medical service expanded access to compassionate care in underserved, predominantly Black neighborhoods. The new mural, created by Athena Scott, brings Dr. Lomax’s legacy back to the South Philadelphia community near the site of his first clinic.
The gathering will include live music, refreshments, spoken word, an opening prayer and libations, remarks from the artist and project partners, members of the Lomax family, a short film screening, and a live broadcast from WURD Radio. The event celebrates the mural’s replacement of a 2000 tribute by David McShane that was lost to construction, while highlighting Dr. Lomax’s support of WURD, Pennsylvania’s only Black-owned and operated radio station.
When: November 14, 2026.
Showtimes: The program runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Live music and refreshments begin at 11:00 AM, followed by opening prayer and libations at 11:20 AM, a speaking program with the artist and partners at 11:25 AM, and a ribbon-cutting at 12:00 PM.
Tickets: Free.
Venue: 2024 Reed Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146.
Lineup: The program features live music, a spoken word performance, remarks from Athena Scott and project partners, participation by members of the Lomax family, a brief film screening, and a live broadcast from WURD Radio.
Partners: The mural dedication was created in partnership with the Point Breeze Business Association and Mitchum-Wilson Funeral Home.
About the mural: Celebrate the Healer Within is Athena Scott’s reimagining of the earlier David McShane tribute mural. It traces Dr. Lomax’s contributions to Philadelphia healthcare and community life, including the full-service medical centers he established and his support for WURD. The work is positioned near the streets that shaped his life and service, keeping his story visible to the community he served for more than three decades.
Rescheduling note: This event was moved from September 26 to November 14.
Related project: Walter P. Lomax, Jr., MD and Celebrate the Healer Within: Walter P. Lomax, Jr. M.D. Tribute Mural.