Spanish Harlem’s Murals & Mosaics: Telling the Story of the Community

The many colorful murals and mosaics of Spanish Harlem, AKA East Harlem, tell us so much about the history, culture, and politics of this under-appreciated neighborhood and its residents. Some murals and mosaics are dedicated to accomplished citizens of Spanish Harlem, such as the writers Julia de Burgos and Nicholasa Mohr. Others honor world-famous people such as Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. Some have strong messages for political independence and against colonialism. Many of the murals and mosaics bring into the neighborhood the gorgeous scenery of the tropical islands which so many members of this community left behind. A number of the gifted artists who created the artworks received commissions from the City of New York as part of projects to add more public art to this Harlem community.