New mural honors legacy of historic African American community of West Rehoboth Beach

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.- What was once a giant, empty wall covered in graffiti is now home to a new mural paying homage to the African American community of West Rehoboth Beach.

Funded in part by several community partners and a $25,000 BIPOC Leaders and Communities grant from the Delaware Community Foundation, the artwork looks to preserve the history of the area.

In 2021, the project hit the ground running with mural artist Terrance Vann being the magic hands behind the masterpiece who’s a West Rehoboth native himself.

Vann’s designed is inspired by family photos, current residents, and artifacts dating back generations.

The mural is part of the Developing Artist Collaboration’s mission of bringing history to the forefront. DAC Founder Leah Beach tells 47ABC, the reality is that many of the community members that had land in the area no longer do as the area has been completely gentrified.

We’re told, the piece proves the power of what art can do. “We believe that artist can do so much more than paint on paper. Artists can uplift communities. Artists make a difference,” Beach said.

“So really our purpose here is to bring a awareness of this incredible community so that there will never be any confusion about the legacy of West Rehoboth moving forward.”

This fall, the legacy committee plans to mount QR codes at the site that can be scanned and will include verbal histories for visitors to have an interactive experience.

The mural is located at 37401 Malloy St Rehoboth Beach, DE.