Philadelphia’s Black history as seen through historical markers,monuments,murals & more
Black Philadelphians have shaped Philadelphia history since colonial times. In Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Continuing Legacy (Publication Date: February 2, 2024), Amy Cohen recounts notable aspects of the Black experience in Philadelphia from the late 1600s to the 1960s and how this history is marked in the contemporary city. She charts Charles Blockson’s efforts to commemorate the Pennsylvania slave trade with a historical marker and highlights Richard Allen, who founded Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Cohen also describes the path to erecting a statue of civil rights activist Octavius Catto at Philadelphia’s City Hall and profiles international celebrities Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson who are honored in the city. At the end of each chapter, she includes suggestions to continue readers’ exploration of this important cultural heritage.
Showing how increased attention to the role of African Americans in local and national history has resulted in numerous, sometimes controversial, alterations to the landscape, Cohen guides readers to Black history’s significance and its connections with today’s spotlight on racial justice.
Amy Jane Cohen is an educator, historian, and writer. After twenty years teaching social studies, she became Director of Education for History Making Productions and is a contributing writer for Hidden City Philadelphia. Visit her online at amyjanecohen.com.
I will attend the March 13 talk
Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Continuing Legacy Publication Date: February 2, 2024 248 pages, 34 halftones, 5 maps, 6 x 9" Paper: 978-1-4399-2365-8 $18.95
University City Historical Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.