Remembering William Walker’s Iconic Artwork
as well as a current day photo of the whitewashed exterior.
In 1972, William Walker painted All of Mankind: The Unity of the Human Race on a historic church near Art on Sedgwick. The mural, considered one of Walker’s best, depicted four figures of different genders, races, and religions united in harmony.
Originally built as an Episcopal church in 1901, the building became a Roman Catholic mission for poor Italian immigrants in 1927. In the early 1970s, a progressive priest commissioned Walker to create murals inside and outside the church, reflecting the triumphs and struggles of Black Americans, civil rights leaders, and the hope for equality across racial, gender, and religious lines. Though whitewashed by 2015, these murals remain a testament to the neighborhood’s diverse history and the resilience of its Black community.
Art on Sedgwick is part of a coalition working to save the building and restore the murals, ensuring Walker’s work is appreciated once again. This year, the All of Mankind Project will honor and reimagine Walker’s legacy through a variety of community events and artworks:
- A commemorative book
