A mainstay in the African American community has changed its mural and taken Bill Cosby—the man who put them on the map— off of it.
Ben’s Chili Bowl restaurant, a one time hole in the wall made famous for its hot smokes and chili, once exhibited a barrage of famous African Americans on its side wall including former President Obama, Muhammad Ali, Prince, Harriet Tubman and local celebrities Taraji P. Henson and rapper Wale.
Bill Cosby, however, is no longer there.
“It’s kind of shocking to see Bill Cosby is down after he’s been here so long,” said Vivian Staine.
The Guardian reports that Cosby has been a regular customer since the 1950s. A historical information sign outside states: “Thanks in part to the patronage of entertainer Bill Cosby, Ben’s has become a national landmark.”
Cosby was part of an original mural of stars put up in 2012. Last Saturday the once-beloved entertainer was acquitted in the sexual assault of a former Temple University employee.
This week, in a ceremony featuring local comedian Dave Chappelle, Bens unveiled a new expanded mural, minus one person.
Owner Virginia Ali, 83, says that the restaurant recently ran a poll on who should be included and the Obamas came in first and second place, and that Cosby did not place in the top 16.
Referring to the allegations against him, she said: “That’s not the man I knew. It’s one of those ‘he said, she said’ things and there’s no point getting into it because I wasn’t there. I feel badly for everyone involved.”
Read more at the Guardian.
