Preserving Philadelphia's African American Heritage: Stories of Restoration and Recognition (Global Philadelphia, 1/25/24)

Preserving Philadelphia's African American Heritage: Stories of Restoration and Recognition

It’s no secret that Philadelphia is a city rich with history and home to iconic art. Some of the most notable artists of the country have lived right in this city and produced creative works while they did so. Among these famed creatives are Marian Anderson, John and Alice Coltrane, Henry O. Tanner, and Paul Robeson. These past residents of Philadelphia are not only engrained in the city’s history, but key contributors to African American culture.

The homes they lived in are just as important, because it gives members of the community and tourists alike an image of the places in which they may have created art, started a family, or reminisced on their past successes. With each individual living in these respective homes at different times, their houses have all been in various stages of disrepair or restoration. A look into how these homes are doing now and what communities are doing to preserve them can show which ones may need more financial or communal support, but how all are deserving of visits and recognition to keep their structures, and the memories within them, alive.