Hoboken Mural Honors 3 Prominent Women, Working Class

HOBOKEN, NJ — A new mural in Hoboken pays homage to three of the Mile Square City’s most prominent women: Little League pioneer Maria Pepe, Depression-era photographer Dorothea Lange, and African American nightclub fixture Dorothy McNeil.

On Thursday, city officials, community members and Pepe gathered for an unveiling ceremony at 1312 Adams Street, where the mural can be seen on the wall of the CubeSmart Self Storage building.

Measuring 150 by 35 feet, the mural was created by Jersey City artist DISTORT, who said he wanted to honor Hoboken's history as a “working-class and artistic city” by representing the people and places that gave it it’s character.

The mural – sponsored by Storage Deluxe and three years in the making – also features two dock workers, showcasing Hoboken’s industrial period.

Pepe, who was one of the first girls to play Little League baseball at a time when females were banned from the sport, said that it was a “blessing” to be part of the artistic endeavor.

“I am so thankful for all the support from my coach Jimmy Farina, my parents and family,” Pepe said. “I hope it inspires all children to believe all things are possible in Hoboken.”

• See related article: Hoboken Honors Baseball Pioneer: This Is Why Girls Can Play Little League

The mural was also sponsored by Golden Artist Colors Inc. and Jerry's Artist Outlet in West Orange, who donated paint and other materials for the project.

“This is an exciting project that will breathe new life into the area,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said. “This mural is a great tribute to some of Hoboken’s favorite daughters who made tremendous impacts on their community and the country.”

"It has been a pleasure to be part of a thriving arts community and this mural is a visible reminder of that," said Albert Barsky, founder of the Barsky Gallery. " I’m grateful to Hoboken for their support and commitment to the arts, making this mural a reality."

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Photo: City of Hoboken