Backgrounder

Experience Philadelphia's African American History

PHILADANCO

Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC

PHILADELPHIA, May 27, 2005 - For centuries Philadelphia has been known as an important center for African American history and culture. This was true in the 18th century when Philadelphia had the largest free black population and was the center of the abolitionist movement, and it holds true today, since Philadelphia still has one of the largest African American populations in the country. Visitors with a particular interest in African American history can visit notable historic sites and cultural institutions while having the benefit of great dining and nightlife experiences at every turn. The following is a look into the Philadelphia story that began centuries ago:

Historic Places

• African American Heritage: Freedom's Trail - Visitors can retrace the trail of the Underground Railroad with a self-guided, driving tour provided by the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau. Full tour available online. (866) VF-VISIT, www.valleyforge.org
• Blue Horizon - In 1999, the Blue Horizon was named the #1 boxing venue in the world and is used as a stepping stone for amateurs to the professional ranks. Call for event schedule of concerts, wrestling matches, cabarets and more. 1312-16 Broad Street, (215) 763-0500, www.legendarybluehorizon.com
• Historical Society of Pennsylvania - The Historical Society contains numerous documents relating to African American history and the anti-slavery movement. It also houses several documents by William Still, one of the most successful African Americans in Philadelphia's history and author of The Underground Railroad. 1300 Locust Street, (215) 732-6200, www.hsp.org
• Johnson House Historic Site - In the 19th century, the Johnson House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and a meeting place for abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and William Still. The house is one of the only Underground Railroad sites in the region with an interpretive program open to the public. 6306 Germantown Avenue, (215) 438-1768, www.johnsonhouse.org
• Library Company of Philadelphia - Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company of Philadelphia is the nation's first cultural institution providing thorough collections of rare books, manuscripts and prints. The Library Company has one of the most comprehensive collections by and about African Americans, which pre-dates the Civil War. 1314 Locust Street, (215) 546-3181, www.librarycompany.org
• Marian Anderson Historical Residence - The first residence purchased by Marian Anderson in 1924 is filled with memorabilia and rare photos of the singer. Tours by appointment. 762 S. Marian Anderson Way (Martin Street), (215) 732-9505, www.marionanderson.org
• Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church - The church, founded by Richard Allen in 1731, stands on the oldest parcel of land in America continuously owned by African Americans. It's the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal Denomination. 6th & Lombard Streets, (215) 925-0616, www.motherbethel.org
• Paul Robeson Home & Historic Marker - Robeson's former home is now a museum where his sheet music, period furnishings and photographs are displayed. Tours by appointment. 4951 Walnut Street, (215) 747-3242
• Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper - Founded in 1884, the Tribune is America's oldest and Greater Philadelphia's largest newspaper serving the African American community. Historic overview available upon request. 520 S. 16th Street, (215) 893-4095, www.phila-tribune.com

Arts and Culture

• African American Museum In Philadelphia (AAMP) - The AAMP was the first museum built by a major U.S. city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans. 7th & Arch Streets, (215) 574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org
• Art Sanctuary - Located in the Church of the Advocate, the Art Sanctuary brings together established and emerging artists for performances, lectures and educational programs. It also hosts the annual Celebration of Black Writing Festival. 1801 W. Diamond Street, (215) 232-4485, www.artsanctuary.org
• Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection - The Blockson Collection contains more than 100,000 items related to African American history and experience, including books, letters, slave narratives, photographs, sheet music and original recordings. Sullivan Hall at Temple University, 1330 W. Berks Street, 1st Floor, (215) 204-6632, www.library.temple.edu
• Freedom Theatre - Founded in 1966, the theater is distinguished as the oldest African American performing arts institution in Pennsylvania and the largest African American theater company in the U.S. Freedom's internationally acclaimed artistic director, Walter Dallas, provides the vision for the institution, which includes a professional repertory theater company and a performing arts training program. 1346 N. Broad Street, (215) 765-2793, www.freedomtheatre.org
• Mural Arts Program - With more than 2,000 wall paintings, Philadelphia is the mural capital of the U.S. Special prices for commissioned guided tours. The Thomas Eakins House, 1729 Mt. Vernon Street, (215) 685-0754, www.muralarts.org
• PHILADANCO - The Philadelphia Dance Company, affectionately known as PHILADANCO, is a professional contemporary dance company, which performs twice a year in Philadelphia and tours throughout the world. Call for performance dates and times. 9 N. Preston Street, (215) 387-8200, www.philadanco.org
• Philadelphia Doll Museum - Established in 1998, the museum was created to preserve doll history and culture by presenting the art of doll making and collecting though seminars and lectures. 2253 N. Broad Street, (215) 787-0220, www.philadollmuseum.com

Art Galleries

• Artjaz Gallery - A local forum for the emerging contemporary artist, this gallery specializes in contemporary fine art by national and regional African American artists. 53 N. 2nd Street, (215) 922-4800, www.artjaz.com
• Lucien Crump Art Gallery - The gallery showcases visual artists from all genres of the black Diaspora, along with contemporary art, originals, lithographs and custom framing. 6380 Germantown Avenue, (215) 843-8788
• October Gallery - Opened in 1985, the October Gallery has amassed an enormous following during its nearly 20 years in business. Each year, the gallery hosts the Philadelphia International Art Expo, the top expo of its kind in the United States. 68 N. 2nd Street, (215) 629-3939, www.octobergallery.com
• Sande Webster Gallery - This commercial gallery showcases African American art and sculptures. 2006 Walnut Street, (215) 636-9003, www.sandewebstergallery.com
• Sandaga - Specialties here include custom-made African clothing, fabrics, paintings, masks, jewelry, instruments and more. 7130 Germantown Avenue, (215) 753-0455

Restaurants

• Bluezette - Located in trendy Old City, Bluezette offers a mixture of influences from Caribbean, Latin and African American cultures. 246 Market Street, (215) 627-3866, www.bluezette.com
• Denise Delicacies - Known as a scratch bakery (that's one that makes all of the baked goods with fresh ingredients), Denise uses only the freshest products to make every item taste homemade. 2916 N. 22nd Street, (215) 225-5425
• Fatou and Fama-Senegalese - This Senegalese-owned bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurant located in University City serves West African, West Indian and Caribbean dishes. 4002 Chestnut, (215) 386-0700
• Gloria's Gourmet Seafood Restaurant - Specializing in seafood, Gloria's features jazz musicians on select evenings. Call in advance for performance schedule. 2120 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 235-3081
• Jamaican Jerk Hut - The Jerk Hut is a welcome escape from the city, serving hot dishes made by Jamaican chefs. 1436 South Street, (215) 545-8644
• Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe - Named after the owner's mother's favorite candy, this BYOB establishment puts a classy spin on down-home dining. 1314 South Street, (215) 731-9045
• The Rib Crib - In the tradition of keeping it simple, this take-out only establishment specializes in chicken and ribs with a few select side dishes. 6333 Germantown Avenue, (215) 438-6793
• Ron's Ribs - A South Street tradition, Ron's Ribs focuses on barbecue ribs and down-home cooking. 1627 South Street, (215) 546-0594
• Savannah's Soul Food - Located in the heart of the Art Museum area, this upscale soul food restaurant has a full bar and lounge area. 1836 Callowhill Street, (215) 557-9533, www.savannahsoulfoodbar.com
• Warmdaddy's - Classic soul food is served with a big side of live Blues music nightly. Call for performance schedule and events. 4 S. Front Street, (215) 627-2500, www.warmdaddys.com
• World Cafe Live - The popular Gospel Brunch at this new University City music venues features a soul food menu and an inspirational gospel music performance every Sunday. 3025 Walnut Street, (215) 222-1400
• Zanzibar Blue - A veteran of the Avenue of the Arts, this restaurant offers global cuisine along with live, international jazz every night. Call for show times and performers. Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 732-5200, www.zanzibarblue.com

Nightlife

• Beyond - Young urban professionals flock to this garage turned music mecca to groove to the latest in hip hop, reggae, R&B, house and techno. 8th & Callowhill Streets, (215) 925-1900
• Bungalow VII - Located just off Main Street in Manayunk, this fashionable lounge is a chic and sophisticated restaurant and nightspot, featuring DJs spinning hip-hop and R&B hits. 111-113 Cotton Street, (215) 482-3102
• Chris' Jazz Cafe - A chic setting for the ultimate jazz fan, this popular spot hosts live jazz musicians and bands nightly. 1421 Sansom Street, (215) 568-3131
• Fiso - This posh nightclub, catering to a fashionable crowd, imports DJs from New York and London specializing in hip hop, funk, rap and dance music. 1437 South Street, (215) 735-2220
• Fluid - Since its emergence in 1997, Fluid has made its mark as one of the best spots in the city for underground music, including funk, house, soul, hip hop, trance, progressive, jungle, break beat and punk rock. 613 S. 4th Street, (215) 629-3686
• North by Northwest - Popular live music venue features local and national artists performing blues, jazz, R&B, country, swing, deco and more. 7165 Germantown Avenue, (215) 248-1000
• Pinnacle Nightclub - It is 30-something partiers who flock here to dance to the beats of reggae, world and R&B music. The venue often hosts live shows by major recording artists and local talent. 720 Arch Street, (215) 413-3363

Philadelphia Notables

• Mayor John F. Street - Mayor of Philadelphia
• Marian Anderson - Acclaimed contralto singer
• Bill Cosby - Pioneer, actor, comedian, philanthropist, author
• Eve - Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist and actress
• Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff - Legendary record producing team responsible for creating the Sound of Philadelphia
• Marvin Harrison - All-pro wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
• The Heath Brothers - Internationally known jazz artists
• Patti LaBelle - World-renowned singer, actress, chef and author
• Donovan McNabb - Star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
• Allen Iverson - Point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers Aaron McKie – Guard for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Teddy Pendergrass - Actor and singer
• The Roots - Internationally acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group
• Jill Scott - Grammy Award-nominated singer and actress
• Will Smith - Actor and rapper extraordinaire
• Rasheed Wallace - Power forward for the Detroit Pistons
• Rufus Harley - The world's first jazz bagpipe master and saxophonist

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region's economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

CONTACT:

Ayele Ajavon, GPTMC
(215) 599-2291, ayele@gptmc.com