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PAIR Center Celebrates Black History Month: Black History of Philadelphia

February 19, 2025

Excerpt

Black History Month 2025

Orange banner that states: "Celebrating the rich legacy and contributions of Black Americans in Philadelphia. Black History Month 2025." The left side shows a photo of two young children holding hands and crossing the painted road which extends east from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Center City in the background, dated 09/1973.

It is Black History Month—a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of Black Americans throughout history.

This year, we aim to dive into Black history in Philadelphia, acknowledging the foundational contributions of Black Americans to the city where we live and work. Penn itself is situated in West Philadelphia, in an area known previously as the Black Bottom which housed a predominantly Black population. We value the opportunity to explore and amplify the Black history of our neighborhood to ensure that these stories of community and resilience are kept alive.

We are sharing ideas of how you can engage with the many instances of rich Black culture throughout Philadelphia. We welcome your suggestions of other ways to learn more about notable Black Philadelphians and spaces of community. We hope this mid-month reminder inspires you to take advantage of the seasonal opportunities throughout the city and sparks ideas for future learning.

On Your Own

Soul of the Black Bottom

Market and Preston Streets
Any time

Visiting this mural brings you to a physical location within the Black Bottom, and provides an opportunity to reflect on the story behind the area:

This mural in West Philadelphia is titled Soul of the Black Bottom. It comes from the neighbourhood’s history of demolition and displacement and quotes part of the semi autobiographical text Darkwater: Voices from within the Veil by W.E.B. Du Bois. As a sociologist, Du Bois wrote the first sociological study on African American community in Philadelphia and as an author, he addressed civil and political rights through both fiction and non-fiction. (eL Seed)

Free Library of Philadelphia: Black Histories of Philadelphia Exhibition

Parkway Central Library
Now through April 12, 2025

We invite you to check out this free exhibition that highlights the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s history. We hope that you will consider visiting with friends and family.

Can’t make it to the exhibit? The library has also compiled a book collection that informed the work and a Spotify playlist that reflects some of the individuals featured in the exhibit.

With Kids

Smith Memorial Playground: Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia

East Fairmount Park
Now through February 28, 2025

This annual outdoor exhibit celebrates notable members of Philadelphia’s Black community. For the month of February, it is free and open to the public, providing biographical information about each honoree and information about related Philadelphia landmarks and activities. Featuring kid-friendly facts, it is a great option to do with children.

With Your Colleagues at the PAIR Center

The Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s Historic 7th Ward
April 2025

The PAIR Center is planning a trip to experience this 2-hour walking tour of Philly’s historic 7th Ward, the Heart of Black Culture and Activism:

Philadelphia’s famous Seventh Ward was a thriving and bustling community populated by many Black Philadelphians as well as immigrants from the end of the 18th century until the 1960s. By 1900 the Ward was home to approximately 30% of Black Philadelphians. Boasting the largest Black population in the city, the Seventh Ward was the epicenter of Black culture and home to many past and present African-American schools, churches and institutions as well as abolitionists, educators, athletes and political and women’s civil rights activists.

The Seventh Ward was so fascinating that W.E.B Du Bois traveled to Philadelphia to conduct his study of Philadelphia’s Black population residing in the ward. Staying in the Seventh Ward, Dr. Du Bois conducted door-to-door in-depth interviews with Black Philadelphians from all walks of life. He witnessed economic, educational, and political discrimination.

Can’t wait until April? The Black Journey also offers an audio-guided tour through Old City that you can purchase and experience any time.