Finding Black History Everywhere I Go

By Kellie Flanagan, Living Well Specialist

Living in Philadelphia, a city rife with history, sparks a natural curiosity for the old — and the new layers of history continuously being made. My curiosity follows me everywhere, from the different areas of the city I have lived and worked. I’ve learned about Black history in the buildings I’ve been in and sat in awe of the people I’ve met through my career in Social Work. Anything from a mural to a long-lived music venue can lead to revelations of the history this city builds on.

I currently live near the Hatfield House, which was built in 1760, and now serves a center for exhibits and activities focusing on Black culture and history. One of the exhibits that I found moving last year was an outdoor art installation by West Philadelphia-based artist Brian Bazemore named “Remember” represented by large Roman Numerals spelling out 2020. This installation encouraged viewers to reflect on the significant events and people of 2020, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Black Lives Matter.

https://myphillypark.org/brian-bazemore-hatfield-house/

I once lived a block away from where C. Delores Tucker lived. I learned that she was a Civil Rights activist and marched from Selma to Montgomery with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-3DC

In my career as a Social Worker, I have travelled throughout Philadelphia to visit with clients in their homes. These travels have brought Black history to life for me, both inside and outside of the clients’ homes. I’ve had the privilege to meet some pretty amazing people.

I visited with one of the Ward Singers (a gospel group popular in the 40-50’s) and she showed me pictures of her with other famous singers, including Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald (iconic jazz musicians). During my visit with her, she received a call from actor Clifton Davis (actor, singer, minister & author), who was inviting her to a ceremony to honor her for a lifetime achievement award in Gospel music! I also had the opportunity to visit with one of the Intruders (soul group popular in the 60-70’s). He told me about his career in music and autographed a picture of the group for me.

Philadelphia’s use of public spaces for art showcases those who have once called this city home and pioneers who have passed through and shaped its history forever. The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, in particular has helped with my learning of Black history, they depict notable figures in Black history and culture: Patti LaBelle (‘godmother of soul’ & Philly native), Dr. J (Julius Erving – Basketball player, player for the 76ers in the 70-80’s), Bishop Richard Allen (AME founder and civil rights activist), and John Coltrane (jazz musician pioneer).

https://www.muralarts.org/blog/nine-murals-remembering-african-american-heroes/

This mural in particular stopped me in my tracks and continues to give me pause when I see it because it conveys such a powerful message.

Black history is ever-present at City Hall. Currently, a statue of Harriet Tubman is hosted there before traveling to other cities, its time here coincides with her 200^th birthday and has a full calendar of events associated with it. A permanent statue of Octavius Catto, a Civil Rights activist in the mid-1800s, was erected at City Hall in 2017. Having these two statues at the center point of the city where so much business occurs helps to reinforce the importance of the two figures that are represented.

Concerts at the Dell Music Center have always energized me. A few years ago, I attended a show that was a collective of Philadelphia musicians, including the O’Jays, the Intruders, and the Stylistics. The performances were amazing and it was so much fun being in a crowd so happy to see artists they had loved for a long time.

Across town sits the Uptown Theater, which got its start on the ‘Chitlin’ Circuit’ (a host for artists unable to perform at other venues because of Jim Crow) and later was a popular Motown hub for legendary performers such as Diana Ross & the Jackson 5, is working to rebuild its (incredible) theater and open its doors once again.

I encourage you to walk around your city, explore different music venues, look into historic buildings, take pride in those who have called your city home or been inspired by their time there. Watch how history is taking place now and shaping the ever-changing cities and towns in which we live.