Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape: Deep Roots, Continuing Legacy

by Amy Jane Cohen, Wendell E. Pritchett (Foreword)

Black Philadelphians have shaped Philadelphia history since colonial times. In Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape, 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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2024

Reviews

[Valerie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a cultural historian and Philadelphia native, I had to give this book 5 stars! Philadelphia has been called the City of Murals -- we have some beautiful ones- and all of them tell a story, with many being about the contributions and sacrifices made by African Americans over the course of our 300 years in the area. Amy Cohen also points out the numerous blue-and-yellow historical markers outside the residences that our historic heroes and heroines once called home and references the many plaques, street names and names of public buildings that serve as "monuments" to the African American presence in Philadelphia.

Divided into three parts, the book covers the 17th and 18th centuries, the 19th century, and the 20th century--from colonial days to the Black Power Movement of the 60s and 70s. The book offers plenty of photographs, as well as maps of four different areas of the city on which the locations of named sites, historic houses, murals, and historical markers are highlighted, providing a useful guide for anyone interested in touring Black Philadelphia's heritage sites.
Lastly, the book includes "To Do" lists at the end of each chapter. These lists guide readers to additional resources for further exploration, making the book an excellent tool for teachers and curious readers alike.

Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape excels in connecting local history to the broader national narrative on race, emphasizing how Black Philadelphians have shaped the city and how our stories are preserved in its monuments and markers. Anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Philadelphia’s heritage, the enduring legacy of its Black community, and a novel way of teaching history to a new generation will want to add this book to their resource collection.

[Emma Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve lived in Philly for almost 4 years now, and I wanted to learn more about the deep rooted history here and how it has impacted peoples lives today- things that I see on a daily basis working in healthcare. While I have been able to recognize that A LOT needs changed and improved (structurally of course but also within this city)-this book emphasized that while many activists have strived to make change, there are many many things that have remained the same. When compared to other major cities, why is Philly struggling? It isn’t hard to understand why. We all need to know this history. And while it may seem that it doesn’t apply to you, and that it “isn’t your own”- it should apply, and you should care. And you won’t until you learn about it. We all have the responsibility to learn. Philadelphia’s history is a good place to start.

[Drick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a former Philadelphia High School Teacher, this book relates the stories of select African Americans in the life and history of Philadelphia through monuments, historic markers, and preserved buildings throughout the city. Each chapter focuses on an individual or two, tells their story then directs the reader to where historical markers and monuments can be found. The purpose of the book seems to not only tell the stories of people like Richard Allen, Octavius Catto, Marian Anderson, Sadie Alexander, Leon Sullivan Cecil B. Moore, and others but also to encourage the reader to visit places throughout the city where their memories are enshrined. While I had hoped for a more complete history of African Americans in Philly, this book certainly got me started.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a glorious read for me as local, Philly-centered Black History is my primary area of study/teaching/research—but man! Each chapter is a bite sized look at these largely unsung titans of history. I love the routine of expanded article, reflection from a vested party, and a “to do” list for further research and site visitation. If you’re at all interested in history, and from the Philadelphia area, you MUST learn these stories. If you’re a historian, period, this is worth a read to comprehend the place of Philadelphia’s Black History within the national narrative. GO AMY GO!

[Jay Fluellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic and rich tapestry of Black History told from the context of people who were connected to the city of Philadelphia. In addition, the book is well organized, providing a clear point of departure for further exploration regarding the facts introduced in each chapter. Congratulations to Amy Jane Cohen for crafting such a great resource for understanding the incredible impact of African Americans on the culture of the United States.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enlightening and useful for anyone living (and especially teaching) in the Philadelphia area. I particularly appreciated the little "to do" sections at the end of each chapter - I followed the links and watched a bunch of documentary clips online that build on the stories a bit more. And I searched up some of the exhibits she mentions. The "reflection" sections were good too, hearing from people who had some personal connection to the stories.

[Meredith M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. I learned new things about Philly and I particularly liked the activities based upon each chapter that she recommends. I’m looking forward to being a tourist in my own city and checking them out.

[caeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, informative, and with really great resources.

[Chris Feighery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book. Surprised there aren’t many others like it for Philadelphia. My only gripe with it is it doesn’t always cite demographic information of neighborhoods in the city, but that’s just because I need to use it as a source for a paper I’m writing, too. Also, the author is really nice! She cares tremendously about Philly. She is a huge advocate for multiracial historical teaching in American standardized education and the improvement of inner city education programs, which are greatly required both locally and nationally. Highly recommend to any history fan, but also to any local Philadelphian or those in the Greater Philly Area.