How Charles L. Blockson turned childhood disrespect into a mission to create Black history collections
He donated thousands of items to Temple University and Penn State.
Posts tagged with Black History Month
Black history through memories at Brewerytown’s Bailey Street Books
Professor Anyabwile Love wants the community to share in his collection of rare Black literature.
Harriet Tubman is Philadelphia’s first monument to a historical Black woman…but it’s only temporary
You can count the city's statues of women in history on one hand.
Billy Penn gives you all Philly news, all day long
Impress your Slack channel with your local news savvy by reading our free morning newsletter, sent out six days a week.
Nonprofit news is a public good
Billy Penn runs our newsroom based on the belief that high-quality information should be accessible to all. If you believe local journalism improves quality of life, will you support our work?
We can’t do this without you
Billy Penn believes local journalism should be free for all, which is why you’ll never see a paywall where an article should be. If you feel the same, will you join us as a member today?
Stories that generate community, not clicks
Your donation supports our mission to make meaningful journalism that’s free for all Philadelphians. Join us as a sustaining member to make sure we stick around.
Powered by the people
As a nonprofit, we depend on sustaining members like you to keep our journalism free for all — we’re so grateful for your support. Know someone who would appreciate Billy Penn? Send them our newsletter!
Black history: Philadelphia’s explosive and violent 19th century race riots
The city was home to the largest free African American population in the country, but racism led to destructive clashes.
‘Love In Isolation’ portrait series celebrates the beauty of Black Philadelphia creators
Grounded by the pandemic, the world-famous fashion designer behind Ikiré Jones went searching for inspiration at home.
This one-of-a-kind conference celebrates the real people behind the Underground Railroad
The gathering at Temple is totally free and open to the public.
How this Black Philly chef helped create the modern catering industry
For 50 years, Albert E. Dutrieuille cooked for the city's elite from his house on Spring Garden.
Philly recently got a sculpture commemorating civil rights activist Octavius Catto. Next up: a mural.
The image will be painted on the side of Universal Institute Charter School at Broad and Catharine.
Southwest Philly kids get to see ‘Black Panther’ for free
The sold-out Marvel movie is breaking box office records.
11 essential works of Philly literature for Black History Month
Prose, poetry and a play to add to your reading list.