On September 29, city officials, artists, and residents gathered at 7th & Jackson Resiliency Park to unveil the new 7th & Jackson Community Mural, a large public artwork honoring the spirit and history of Hoboken’s west side.
The mural, which spans 2,025 square feet along the park’s eastern fence, was created by Aaron Martin of Mural Painter Inc., a Hoboken-based art studio. The design brings together scenes of daily life, moments from local history, family photos, and images of native plants, forming a vivid story about community pride and shared heritage.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla described the mural as a visual record of the west side’s past and a symbol of strength through unity. He said that public art like this encourages connection, creativity, and inclusion, while helping neighborhoods feel more vibrant.
- The 7th & Jackson Community Mural spans 2,025 square feet and was unveiled on September 29 at the 7th & Jackson Resiliency Park.
- Designed by Aaron Martin of Mural Painter Inc., the mural features community-submitted photos, historic figures, and native plant designs.
- Local children took part in a free summer arts workshop that helped bring the mural to life, supported by Hoboken’s Public Art Master Plan.
Local History and Faces Woven Into the Artwork
The mural includes portraits of key figures who helped shape Hoboken’s west side.
Among them is Coach Johnny Ray “Diddle” McDonald Jr., remembered as a longtime youth mentor and sports leader. Elizabeth Falco, the city’s first Black principal and a founding member of the Hoboken NAACP, is honored for her groundbreaking work in education and civil rights. Edgar “Butch” Sanchez, a respected boxing champion and member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, represents endurance and community pride.
The artwork also features photos submitted by residents, showing family events, block parties, and neighborhood gatherings. These images, mixed with historical photos from the Hoboken Historical Museum, help tell a story that spans generations.
Adding to the mural’s natural themes are native plants such as goldenrod, eastern redbud, and milkweed, known to represent both the west side’s beauty and its focus on resilience and growth.
Third Ward Councilman Mike Russo, who represents the area, said the project reflects the people and places that shaped his life. He shared that the mural and park were created to give residents a place where their stories and achievements are recognized and remembered.
Community and Youth Involvement Through Art
The mural succeeded largely because the community was involved. Led by the Division of Cultural Affairs and the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee as part of Hoboken’s Public Art Master Plan, with support from the Public Art Trust, the project gave residents a chance to contribute directly.
During the summer, a Mural Arts Workshop was offered free to local youth ages 8 to 14 at the Damon Murray Community Gym, located beside the mural. Guided by artists from Mural Painter Inc., including founder Emily Strauss, students learned how to design and paint murals while sharing their own creative ideas.
Once the professional outline was finished, participants and community members helped paint sections of the wall, which gave young artists the chance to contribute directly to a project that celebrates their neighborhood.
At-Large Councilwoman Emily Jabbour thanked the Arts Advisory Committee for developing the idea and said the project honors Hoboken’s stories and also adds energy and color to the area near the Damon Murray Gymnasium. She said that involving local youth and neighbors made the artwork more meaningful and strengthened community connections.
