Several blocks south of molovinsky on allentown's Philadelphia office is an area* rich in history for the black community. Although the more studious types might check out the renowned African American Museum In Philadelphia, I prefer walking about and asking questions. I stopped in at the Philadelphia Tribune office, the first black paper in the nation, and printed continuously since 1884. I learned a little bit about the paper's history and got to talk to a staff member. Nearby was the home of the Jack and Jill Of America movement, started in 1938 by Marion Thomas. Its intention was to provide leadership training for the city's black professional and middle class children. Among other churches and mosques serving the neighborhood, is the huge United House Of Prayer For All People, a nationwide black Apostolic Pentecostal church.
While the historical roots of this black middle class neighborhood are deep, the spreading gentrification from the Rittenhouse area is encroaching. The facade of the Royal Theater, the first black owned theater in Philadelphia, is being incorporated into a new residential and commercial project. While Lincoln's body was brought by train to this neighborhood after his assassination in 1865, how many residents of the new expensive condo tower will be black?
* neighborhood surrounding area of 15th and South Street
photocredit: Facade of Royal Theater by Librarian1984
Totally off topic, but any idea what they're building at the entrance to the Parkway (off Jefferson Street?
ReplyDeleteAlso, what were they thinking when they painted lines all over the road going into the Parkway? It takes away the park feel that's always existed, and makes it look like a highway. Another unnecessary waste of time and money from our friends in City Hall.