“Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines” (1996)

“Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines” (1996)

AP African American Studies Guide

Toggle menu

Topic 3.11

Faith Ringgold, “Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines (Downtown and Uptown)” (1996)

A white tile mosaic mural of several Black people airborne above buildings


Source: Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines (Downtown and Uptown) (1996) © Faith Ringgold, NYCT 125 St. Commissioned by MTA Arts & Design. Photo: MTA Trent Reeves.

A product of Faith Ringgold’s style combining painting, quilting, and storytelling, “Flying Home” is a mosaic mural that honors Harlem notables and makes them fly. The title is based on a Lionel Hampton song Ringgold heard as a child. Learn more about this piece and view more photographs on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority website.