In 1992 the Wall of Pride mural was restored and reimagined by Pontella Mason and his wife. Upon completion the mural was dedicated at a public celebration by former president Jimmy Carter.  Since that time the Pontella Mason family, and the Penn-North and Druid Heights communities commissioned muralist Ernest Shaw to reimagine the Wall of Pride mural located on the north side 1601 Carey Street. 

Pontella Mason is one of Baltimore’s most prolific and important contemporary muralists. He painted large scale murals depicting stories of African traditions and portraits of important Black Americans and diverse historic individuals whose contributions have positively impacted the community and represent achievement. His work has been featured in publications on the history of African American muralists and the impact of urban mural programs. While Pontella’s legacy and contribution to Baltimore is present through his remaining murals in East and West Baltimore, many of them have fallen into disrepair and desperately need to be restored before they are permanently lost.

In the fall of 2020, BOPA and MASBC funded the project to repair the deteriorated mural wall with the reimagined Wall of Pride by muralist Ernest Shaw.  The new mural will continue to serve as an educational tool to inspire residents and viewers to seek greater knowledge about each person featured in the piece. MASBC and BOPA are pleased to know the Mason Family is happy with the outcome of the reimagined work and that it’s preservation of history can still inspire and inform generations through an engaging artistic experience for the community.