Last summer I presented several posts on the shrinking Black neighborhood in South Philadelphia. Gentrification is creeping south from the area between Rittenhouse Square and Broad Street, infringing on this former Black middle class area. Most of the middle class Blacks moved away years ago, to more integrated areas, leaving behind a poorer neighborhood, but rich in history.
I have written about the Philadelphia Tribune, the Jack and Jill Society and other middle class Black institutions. In a recent exploration, I discovered the last remnant of Father Divine, a charismatic Black preacher, who amassed thousands of followers in the 1930's and 40's. By the mid 40's, his church moved from Harlem to Philadelphia's Broad Street. Divine died in 1965. There are numerous articles and documentaries on his ministry.
Although I have no expertise on gentrification or Black Philadelphia history, as I explore the neighborhood a year later, I can see more and more signs advertising new expensive luxury apartments.
Gentrification is a slow process. The early pioneers had to dodge some arrows and scalpings just like modern day pioneers have to dodge bullets and knives. Pioneers have to be risk takers.
ReplyDeleteNot all gentrification succeeds. Examples: Atowns historic district and Atowns niz fort.
One benefit of getting old is witnessing history in the making.
Thanks for your shared perspectives.