Preservation Hope and Despair Surround Philly’s African American Landmarks The majority of Philadelphia’s Black historic sites remain at risk despite grassroots preservation efforts and historic designations. Kimberly Haas has the details
History New Book Recounts Five Free Philadelphia Boys Kidnapped into Slavery Author Richard Bell tells the story of Sam, Joe, Cornelius, Enos, and Alex and their harrowing abduction in the 1820s by slave catchers
History Sharswood Tour Spotlights African American Landmark Efforts to save the former home and studio of Philadelphia Black Renaissance artist Dox Thrash will take center stage with a neighborhood tour and discussion. Keshler Thibert has the story
Preservation A Life Of Community Service For Theaters In North Philly The legendary Uptown Theater is gearing up for its 90th anniversary this month with a new fundraising campaign and the lighting of its original marquee. To mark the occasion, cinema scholar Joan McGettigan gives us a social history lesson on the neighborhood movie houses near North Broad Street
History New Book On W.E.B. Du Bois Colors In “White Space” The pioneering research of W.E.B. Du Bois on race, class, and data collection are on display in a strikingly visual new volume, “W.E.B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America.” Joe Brin has this book review
History Black History Museums Struggle To Survive Amid Philly Revival In need of funding and resources, three museums dedicated to African American history face an uncertain future. Keshler Thibert has the story
History A Brief History Of Race & Contested Space In West Philly Mariam Williams dives deep into the social evolution of Malcolm X Park to unearth the history of race and economics within a neighborhood space
History Taking History To The Streets With Preservation Activism Ali Roseberry-Polier discusses civil rights history, selective public memory, and why she created an historical marker for a Black female activist who challenged segregation in 19th century Philadelphia