Local Scoop
Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Philly
Where to Celebrate Black History Month in Philly
February is in full swing and among many things that take place this month, they all pale in comparison to the celebration of Black History Month. It’s a time to reflect on America’s dark past but also a time to take in and recognize the contributions, culture and deep history of African Americans. Whether you’re looking to take the family out to check out the many exhibits across town or looking for a solo outing to take it all in and reflect, there are plenty of sights and sounds to check out. Here are our picks of where to celebrate Black History Month in Philly.
African American Museum
701 Arch St.
Freedom Theatre
1346 North Broad St.
This Philadelphia landmark is actually Pennsylvania’s oldest African-American theatre. Built in 1853 by actor Edwin Forrest this monument went through a variety of changes before becoming the renowned African American art institution it is today. Some of the most famed musicians and actors have traveled through these hollowed walls including Denzel Washington, James Baldwin, and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. Aside from classes the Freedom Theatre also presents live shows. This month catch “Production Events at New Freedom” Feb. 8th which features youth poetry or “Red, White & Blue Humor! The B-Girl Edition” Feb. 20th and will feature a political/social comedy forum.
Penn Museum
3260 South St
Probably Philly’s best kept secret as far as museums go, The Penn Museum consistently have cool and interesting events and exhibits. This month there are several African themed exhibits but as far as celebrating the culture you’ll want to definitely swing by Feb. 27th for the “Celebrations of African Culture” featuring storytelling, dance performances, workshops and more. Definitely a great event to bring the whole family to.
African American Iconic Images Collection Trolley Tour
Leaving AAM | 701 Arch St.
In observance of African American History Month, the Mural Arts Program is partnering with the African American Museum of Philadelphia to offer a special mural trolley tour of The Albert M. Greenfield African American Iconic Images Collection. This rich collection of images gives a visual autobiography of Philadelphia and of iconic African American figures of the past and present. Tours will be led by experienced guides who will discuss each mural, the artists, and the mural-making process. Tours will begin and end at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (701 Arch Street) and the cost of the tour includes same-day admission to the Museum.
The Johnson House
6306 Germantown Ave.
Built in 1768 The Johnson House is the oldest existing year-round homes in Germantown. It’s living proof that the Underground Railroad passed right through Philadelphia. Samuel and Jennet Johnson promoted their anti-slavery beliefs by offering their home as a station on the Underground Railroad. They provided sanctuary, food, clothing, and transportation to untold numbers of African freedom seekers. Tradition holds that prominent abolitionists William Still and Harriet Tubman visited the Johnson House. Now you can see first hand just how significant this home was in Black History.
Mother Bethel A.M.E Church
419 South 6th St.
Step into history while visiting one of America’s first Black churches which was founded in 1794 by Richard Allen and dedicated by Bishop Francis Asbury that same year. ‘By 1795, Bethel’s congregation numbered 121 and ten years later it was up to 457. In 1799, Allen was ordained to the office of deacon, making him the first ordained Black person in the MEC. Also in 1795, the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society appealed for Richard Allen’s support to assist thirty runaway Jamaican slaves. He provided the church as a place of refuge and aided in the training and integration of the runaways into the black community. The first church continued to provide shelter for runaway slaves.’
Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
What is probably one of the least talked about museums in Philly is definitely making one of the biggest impacts in Black History Month. The Independence Seaport Museum, is running a unique exhibit that features recently uncovered artifacts from the Museum’s collection, gripping first-person accounts and interactive elements, providing visitors with opportunities for discovery and communication. Using four key moments in Philadelphia’s history representing the themes of Enslavement, Emancipation, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights, Tides of Freedom urges visitors both to bear witness to a story central to Philadelphia and American history, and to think about the meaning of “freedom” both historically and in today’s world. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in an ongoing discussion via social media at several points in the exhibition.
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Normally we try to avoid sending visitors to tourist traps but this one had to be included. This month the National Constitution Center is celebrating Black History Month in a variety of ways. You’ll get the historical lessons without the traditional museum feel with NCC’s interactive displays and awesome visual effects. Experience ‘Breaking Barriers Show,’ which examines the lives of Thurgood Marshall, Bessie Coleman, Jackie Robinson, and other groundbreaking African Americans throughout American history or ‘Decoding the Document’ which takes a closer look at the museum’s rare printing of the Emancipation Proclamation to learn more about its history, the history of the Civil War, and the background of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. In addition NCC will offer free admission on February 16th complete with activities for kids.
Art Sanctuary
628 South St.
A local hot-spot for African American artists, the Arty Sanctuary will be shining the spotlight on writers for their 2016 Celebration of Black Writers. In addition plenty of dope cultural art pieces are on display for those that enjoy visual art.
