"Remembering Ben Ramos," by Roc Blackblock, 2023

Roc BlackBlock is from Barcelona Spain and has been painting murals across Europe and Latin America for 20 years. This is his first mural in the US. His work focuses on social movements, and new ways of understanding public space within communities and a city. He has created several public art collaborations with the European Observatory on Memories, including “Mural in remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust” and “Past and present of a strike. 100th anniversary of La Canadenca”.

This mural honors North End resident Ben Ramos. Mr. Ramos was Springfield's first Latino Police and Fire Commissioner, and helped found many organizations dedicated to serving the Puerto Rican community in Springfield. He also mentored and helped many Latino people run for elected office. In this neighborhood, he was also known for helping people build lives and community in ways that didn't draw public attention. He opened a neighborhood grocery store that sold vegetables, fruits and other products from Puerto Rico. Families who had recently moved to Springfield from Puerto Rico were able to purchase food on credit, and for many of them, he never made them pay. He also organized activities like domino tournaments for people in the neighborhood to connect with each other and build new community connections.

IG: @rocblackblock

This mural is located at 2180 Main St.