Media Fellowship House (MFH) is honored to announce that its 80th Anniversary Mural Project received recognition at the 47th Annual Preservation Awards presented by Delaware County Council and the Heritage Commission of Delaware County on May 4, 2025. The mural was selected in the Special Programs/Projects category, which celebrates outstanding initiatives that preserve and uplift the county’s rich cultural heritage.
Unveiled during MFH’s milestone celebration, Jackson Street Jubilee: 80 Years of Justice, on October 13, 2024, the mural commemorates the organization’s founding in 1944 and its enduring mission of social justice, unity, and community engagement. Conceived as both a historical landmark and a living, interactive work of public art, the mural was designed and led by artist Stephanie Untz, whose creative vision shaped the overall composition and narrative. Portrait artist Emmanuel Fitzpatrick played a key role in bringing the mural to life, lending his talent and detail to the powerful portraits of MFH’s founders, Dorothy James and Marie Whitaker. Together, their work captures the deep roots and lasting impact of MFH’s presence in Delaware County.
Drawing from MFH’s extensive archives, the mural integrates historical photographs—some dating back to the organization’s earliest days—into a layered and vibrant design. These visual elements were carefully curated to authentically reflect the people, programs, and movements that have shaped MFH’s legacy for over eight decades.
Community involvement was central to the project’s success. This initiative was strengthened through a partnership with Media Arts Council (MAC), which played a key role in ensuring the project’s success with a mural policy in place. MFH hosted two Community Painting Days in Fall 2024, where neighbors of all ages—including many families from Media Borough—joined the artists in bringing the mural to life. These intergenerational events offered more than just an opportunity for artistic expression: they sparked meaningful conversations about justice and inclusion, and deepened community bonds.
The mural also incorporates and reimagines the MLK Spirit Hall of Fame, established in 2018 in collaboration with the Media Area NAACP. Displayed on the opposite side of the building, this visual installation honors national and local changemakers who embody the values and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among its inaugural inductees were MFH founders Dorothy James and Marie Whitaker, alongside national figures like John Lewis and President Jimmy Carter.
Accepting the Preservation Award on behalf of MFH were Amy Komarnicki, Executive Director; Jonathan Flynn, Board President; artists Stephanie Untz and Emmanuel Fitzpatrick; and George Rothacker, who designed the original MLK Spirit Hall of Fame posters now featured as part of the mural display. Located at 302 S. Jackson Street in Media, we invite the community to stop by and explore the mural up close. It stands as a powerful, lasting tribute to MFH’s past, present, and future—and a call to all who pass by to join in building a more just, inclusive, and united Delaware County.
