Black History Jawn

Celebrate a legacy of talent, culture, and impact — Philly-style. 

Across the city, Black history lives not just in museums and monuments but in the rhythm of our music, the flavors on our plates, the art on our walls, and the voices in our streets. From soul food spots to cultural institutions, from jazz halls to spoken word stages, Philly offers countless ways to celebrate the past while embracing the present.

Whether you’re exploring centuries-old landmarks or supporting Black-owned businesses, this guide highlights some of the best ways to honor Black History Month—not just as a reflection on what was, but as a celebration of what is and what’s still to come.

🔟 WAYS TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY IN PHILLY 🖤💛❤️

1. 🏛️Museums

Philadelphia is home to many unique museums that celebrate African American history, including:

• African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) explore exhibits, artifacts, and cultural events that highlight the rich heritage of African Americans.
• The Colored Girls Museum (TCGM) a memoir museum honoring the stories, experiences, and history of the ordinary colored girl.
• National Marian Anderson Museum, a fabulous collection of rare images and mementos from a trailblazing 19th century opera celebrity in her historical townhome near Rittenhouse Square.
• Paul Robeson House & Museum, learn all about this pioneering Black artist, activist and scholar — plus a multitalented performer and athlete who fought for civil rights and social justice.
• Historic Germantown, a collective of 19 extraordinary homes, museums, and other historic landmarks in NW Philly — the heart of America’s Abolitionist movement. BONUS: For a designated list of HG’s Black History Month programming, click here (lots of it is free! 🎟️).

2. 🏰Historical Sightseeing

Discover landmarks, churches, and other historical sites that tell of African Americans’ successes, struggles, and contributions through the centuries, such as:

• Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, the first African Methodist Episcopal church in the country,
• The Johnson House, a stop on the Underground Railroad.
• The Divine Lorraine, a towering revelation of Victorian architecture on North Broad, the country’s first racially-integrated residential hotel — read up on its incredible history over a slice at the Neapolitan pizzeria and spritz bar located in its lobby. 🍕🍹

3. 🎬Film 

The city’s Cinema Arts scene provides great opportunities to showcase African American vision and talent, like:

• The Philadelphia Film Society for Black Cinema Week (through February 6), to discover different programs showcasing noteworthy Black filmmakers.
• The Film Society is also screening several movies by Black filmmakers throughout the month, such as Jason’s Lyric and Menace II Society.
• Diamond Screen BIPOC Film Festival at Temple University featuring screenings and discussions with the filmmakers (Thurs Feb 13 at 5pm) 🎥🎤
• Body of Work: Thomas Allen Harris — in West Philly, a two-night celebration of this multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker, a queer and Black icon 🌈🎞️ (Thurs/Fri Feb 20 & 21 at 7pm)

4. 🚶🏾‍♂️Guided Tours
   

Experience the sights, monuments, and stories that make up Philly’s Black history with The Black Journey, who offers three excellent 90ish minute tours (purchase tix online):

4. • 🖤 Original Black History Tour walks in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders, and prominent early African-Americans in Philadelphia.
   • 🛤️ 7^th Ward Black History Tour tells the story behind this formerly thriving community, highlighting the work of some of Philly’s most celebrated Black figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Octavius Catto.
   • 🏙️ 1838 Black Metropolis Tour takes guests on a captivating adventure into the city’s Free Black Society in the 1860’s.

5. 🎭Community Culture

Celebrate African American culture with events that include local dance, music, theater, and more. Don’t miss:

• History Maker Saturdays and Storyteller Sundays at the Betsy Ross House — throughout February, historical characters will speak to their experiences living as Black Philadelphians from different eras (11am to 4pm). FREE
•  The Mural Arts Philadelphia Black History Month Trolley Tour (February 8, 10AM) offers a chance to explore iconic murals across the city that honor African American leaders and culture. This fun and engaging tour provides rich insights into the stories behind the art.
• 2nd Annual Black History Month Cultural Showcase features dazzling art and performances at Jenice’s Event and Conference Center (Fri Feb 21, 6PM – 9PM) FREE
• Wine and Woodworking in Chestnut Hill — Learn about woodworking as a vital craft for Black artisans during enslavement and post-emancipation. Enjoy winetasting with a local sommelier and a DIY workshop honoring the rich history of Black craftspeople. (Sat Feb 15, 6PM – 9PM)

6. 📚Hit the Library 

Between all their many branches, the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts a breathtaking variety of programming to entertain and inspire throughout the month. From informational sessions and activities on topics like local archaeology, gardening, bucket drumming, and more to live performances and demonstrations, book readings by famous Black authors and even a Black Excellence film series. 🍿

⭐ Their calendar has a handy filter just for “Black History Month” events, and then you can also search specific locations.

The Library also hosts special cooking classes this month, exploring the ingredients and flavors of African and African American cuisine. Savor the flavors of African heritage across the diaspora at Parkway Central Library’s Culinary Literacy Center.

7. 🍽️Eat Up 

While educating your mind, do not forget to feed your stomach. There is an incredible variety of deliciousness to be discovered in African American culinary traditions. Philadelphia has a wealth of exciting options including:

• 🍕Down North Pizza with its mission-driven approach and incredible pizzas,
• 🍹Bookers Restaurant and Bar, a cozy spot offering soulful cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere,
• ☕Salam Cafe, where you can experience an authentic Ethiopian coffee roasting ceremony.
• 🌱 Veganish offers Vegan and pescatarian spins on comfort foods like cheesesteaks, burgers, and wings in West Philly.
• 🔥Dwight’s Southern BBQ, a soul food mecca in North Philly with a die-hard, word-of-mouth following.

You can also check out many in-person and virtual cooking demonstrations celebrating Black culinary heritage this month. ℹ️ Pro Tip: use the Black and Mobile app for dishes from the city’s top Black-owned restaurants, delivered to your door.

8. 🛍️Go Shopping

Remember to support Black-owned businesses during Black History Month and beyond. Explore unique shops like:

• 🏠YOWIE, a lifestyle boutique in Queen Village known for its curated selection of home goods, decor, and locally made products,
• 🪮Marsh + Mane, a go-to destination for natural hair and beauty products,
• 🎮 Atomic City Comics, a comic book and gaming hub that sells new & back-issues, graphic novels, and more on South Street.
• 👗Blacqskirt, Mount Airy local clothing designs and alternations for women of all sizes
• 👠Konsignify Boutique, an upscale thrift/consignment shop on Ridge Ave in East Falls

For a comprehensive guide to Black-owned shops and boutiques in Philadelphia, check out visitphilly.com.

9. 🏛️Get Civic 

All month long, The National Constitution Center features a host of interactive programming like trivia contests, scavenger hunts, crafts and stories, personal profiles and more. All celebrating the many remarkable African Americans behind our country’s continual evolution towards freedom and equality.

10. 📖Read All About It

Love books? Visit one of the 13 Little Free(dom) Library locations. The LFL is an initiative encouraging visitors and residents to explore Black history and narratives. The libraries house banned books by Black authors (and other marginalized groups), making these stories accessible and available to both visitors and residents.

You can also pay a visit to Black-owned bookshops across the city, like:

• Harriett’s Bookshop, an avant-garde bookstore in Fishtown celebrating women authors, artists & activists under the guiding light of Harriett Tubman.
• Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, a coffeeshop and bookseller in Germantown, with community space and a lively calendar of events. Founded in 2017 by author, activist, and commentator Marc Lamont Hill.
• Hakim’s Bookstore & Gifts is one of the first African-American owned bookshops in the US, a community hub in West Philly and family business for generations.

What are your plans for Black History Month? If you know of an event or location we should include in this list, please let us know in the comments below or email editor@nwlocalpaper.com.