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James Forten House (4th & Lombard)
Forten was a successful sail maker when most African Americans were still slaves. Other accomplishments include real estate speculator, stock breaker and other financial ventures, a well-respected money lender who possessed fairness, and was an outspoken abolitionist and supporter of women’s rights. -
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William Still House (12th & Locust)
Although he was the son of two African slaves, Still was born a free man. He was one of the most successful black businessmen in Philadelphia. Became active in the Underground Railroad, assisting fugitive slaves searching for freedom.Still was appointed chairman of the Vigilance Committee which aided and supported fugitive slaves. -
Institute for the Colored Youth (9th & Bainbridge)
This Institute was created to educate young African Americans, with hope that one day the educated will overcome the struggles of the black community at the time. It had the hopes of overcoming social and economic freedom. Gained support from the following famous figures:
Booker T. Washington
Carter G. Woodson
Mary Church Terrell
Mary McLeod Bethune -
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O.V. Catto Memorial (Starr Garden)
Octavius Catto was a black educator, and a Union Army major who worked at the Institute for the Colored Youth, his alma matter and home. Terror struck on election day of October 1871, where Catto was assassinated by Democratic Irish mobsters, who aimed to prevent black man voting for civil justice. Catto now has a memorial at the Starr Garden Playground at 6th and Lombard Streets. -
Church of the Crucifixion (8th & South)
One of the first churches founded in what was one of the poorest and most violent area in Philadelphia. As well as one of the oldest churches in the city, state and country. Crucifixion was one of the first integrated churches, black and white churchgoers worshiped together from its founding. Described as a “parish for all despite race or color.” -
Benjamin Banenker Institute (11th & Lombard)
Banenker was a free man who was extremely intelligent and educated himself to the point where he became a professional mathematician and astronomer. He was special because he was asked to help survey and construct our nation's capital. He became an invested writer of almanacs and was friendly with President Thomas Jefferson, whom he exchanged letters with. This school was named after him to teach and inspire young African Americans. -
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W.E.B. DuBois House (6th & Rodman)
An African-American sociologist, writer and activist. He had a different viewpoint on civil justice, he focused on advancing the economic freedom of the black community rather than fighting for civil rights. He was also famous for founding the NAACP civil rights group and publishing the Philadelphia Negro newspaper, which highlights current issues that are arises in the black community. -
Mother Bethel Church (6th & Lombard)
Traced back to the point of slavery, where an Methodist preacher came, spreading the gospel to a group of slaves, among whom was a 17-year-old field hand named Richard Allen.Who in 1786, returned to the city of his birth, Philadelphia. Allen was excited to find that cities black population were almost 70 free. Throughout time, the church served over 2.5 million churchgoers. -
St. Peter Claver Church (12th & Lombard)
Now vacant, the property formerly contained a church, an elementary and a high school, and a rectory. St. Peter Claver was a saint who spent the entirety of his life helping African Americans for the better good. The church held over 350 families regularly and was the first Catholic church where Black Catholics could feel comfortable and at home.
