New Mural Honoring Jimmy Banks to be Unveiled at Jimmy Banks Memorial Stadium

A new community mural honoring Milwaukee soccer legend Jimmy Banks will be unveiled on Monday, June 9, from 10am – 11am at Jimmy Banks Memorial Stadium (4300 W. Fairmount Ave).

The vibrant 12’ x 50’ mural, which spans multiple columns on the stadium’s exterior, was designed by renowned local artist Tia Richardson of Cosmic Butterfly Design. Richardson worked closely with the local soccer community as well as Banks’ family, friends, and former colleagues, to create a piece that reflects his legacy. The final artwork is a dynamic and powerful tribute to Banks, capturing the spirit of his life through imagery that celebrates the values he championed: teamwork, perseverance, and community service.

Funding for the mural was made possible by the Friends of Jimmy Banks Stadium, a group formed in 2019 after Banks’ passing from cancer. Since then, the group has raised over $40,000 to support the project, including a $25,500 grant from Bader Philanthropies, a $20,000 grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and $7,600 in individual donations. Among the generous individual supporters were Tim Alioto, Joel Haubrich, Chris Knowlton, and John Scott McCrary, who played a pivotal role in bringing this tribute to life.

Banks, a Milwaukee native and former University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Milwaukee Wave standout, made history as the first Wisconsinite and one of the first two African American players to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team in a World Cup (1990). Banks later founded the Milwaukee Simbas Soccer Club and coached at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), dedicating his life to youth development and community outreach.

“This mural is a testament to my uncle and the impact he had on the game of soccer as well as the Milwaukee community,” said Banks’ nephew, Christopher Perceptions. “He inspired kids across the country but also had a direct impact on youth here in Milwaukee through his soccer camps, the Simbas Soccer Club, and coaching at MSOE. He was happy to do the work and believed soccer was a sport for anybody and everybody. I know if he saw this mural today, he would be incredibly touched.”

The mural has been installed at Jimmy Banks Memorial Stadium, which was renamed in his honor in 2022 and serves Milwaukee City Conference (MCC) athletes. The public is invited to attend the unveiling event, which will include remarks from Banks’ family, the Jimmy Banks Academy and Friends of Jimmy Banks, Tia Richardson, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and MCC leadership, and local community officials.

Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults, and cultivating leadership at all levels. With nearly 30 high school options in the district, MPS has an ideal learning situation for every student’s needs and future career goals. To find a high school that best fits your needs, visit How to Select a School on the district website (mpsmke.com) and select by location or program. To find open house events at high schools and to access the online enrollment form, visit the High School Enrollment page (mpsmke.com). Enrolling during our enrollment period offers you the best opportunity for a chance at your first-choice school—some schools fill up quickly.

Learn more about MPS by visiting our website (mpsmke.com). More news is available at mpsmke.com/news.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.