Roots Honored By Philadelphia Mural Arts Program At Annual Wall Ball

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -On the eve of this weekend's "Roots Picnic" the band was honored by the Philadelphia Mural Arts program Thursday during the organization's largest fundraiser of the year.

It was the program's 8th annual "Wall Ball" this year held at Vie on North Broad Street.

"We raise invaluable general operating dollars so we can serve the citizens of the city in the best way possible," explains Jane Golden, Executive Director of the city's mural arts program. "It's also a way to galvanize our support to raise consciousness about all the things we do."

In February, the program announced The Roots would be immortalized with a mural of their own on the corner of 6th and South Streets. On this night they were honored for their participation and dedication to the city.

"I'm speechless. We're so honored for this," said ?uestlove. "We're proud Philadelphians and we want the city to be proud of us and so I think this is a beautiful occasion."

"I used to be part of the Philly anti-graffiti network," said Black Thought. "To see how far the program has come since the origin of the network, it's dope."

Golden says the program and The Roots are a perfect match.

"They have been just a delight to work with. You know, they're artists and so we love that. I think they represent all that's wonderful and spunky and inspiring about the city of Philadelphia," she said.

The Roots mural is expected to be completed in October.