Amid her return to Philadelphia for the annual Roots Picnic, Jill Scott was honored as a hometown hero by her high school alma mater. On May 30, Scott saw projected images of a forthcoming mural of herself set to go on the Broad Street side of the Philadelphia School for Girls, aka Girls’ High.
A sample image of the 900-square-foot mural included Scott and a group of faceless girls all donning golden crowns. The painting, designed by artist Patrick Dougher, has Scott rocking an afro with a halo surrounding her. She’s in a vibrant red dress and says the school’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit.” Translated from Latin, Girls’ High’s persevering phrase means, “He [she] who conquers himself [herself].”
According to the Philadelphia Tribune, the mural also honors the North Philly educational institution’s 176th anniversary. The giant artwork is said to be a collaboration between Mural Arts Philadelphia and the city’s school district. The mural will debut upon its completion later this year.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and poet @missjillscott spoke to over 700 students about her experiences at Girls' High during the unveiling of a mural in her honor as part of the school's 175th-year celebration. @muralarts
— Philadelphia Schools (@PHLschools) May 31, 2024
📸 Mural photo provided by The Philadelphia Inquirer pic.twitter.com/MxkvplKIV7
How Did Jill Scott React?
Girls’ High educates young women in grades nine through 12. Scott highlighted in her speech that “it took a lot” for her to get to school every day when she was a student there. Whyy reported that the First Wives Club actress said it still “broke” her heart that she ultimately didn’t graduate from Girls’ High due to transportation and financial barriers.
Local outlet Fox29 noted that the “Golden” singer addressed a packed auditorium filled with Girls’ High students.
“You never know what’s going to happen in your life. But you have to maintain a certain level of integrity — and that’s according to you. That’s yours,” Scott said. “You grow that thing here at Girls’ High, Philadelphia High School for Girls. I just want to say thank you. It literally means the world to me to have my face on the side of this school.”
“I was very much a ‘Girls High’ girl,” Scott noted, later adding, “My life is this incredible testimony of setbacks that generated the most beautiful life I can ever imagine.”
