The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s rich African-American heritage comes to life through "The Black Journey" walking tour. Visitors explore the city’s historic sites, uncovering the stories of enslaved individuals, the founding of the AME church, and the vibrant Black Wall Street. From the iconic Liberty Bell to the debates in Congress Hall, this journey celebrates the resilience and profound contributions of African-Americans. What secrets and hidden gems await those who embark on this immersive exploration?

Good To Know

1. Explore the rich African-American history of Philadelphia, from the legacy of enslaved individuals’ daring escapes to the vibrant Black entrepreneurship and community resilience.

2. Visit the Mother Bethel AME Church, the first AME congregation founded by Reverend Richard Allen, and learn about its role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.

3. Discover the thriving African-American business district of Black Wall Street, home to the largest Black-owned department store, Wanamaker’s, and the Binga Bank.

4. Understand the significance of the Liberty Bell as a symbol of American independence and freedom struggles, and its adoption by the abolitionist and civil rights movements.

5. Explore key historical sites in Philadelphia, such as Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800 and witnessed debates on slavery and the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

Exploring Philadelphia’s African-American Legacy

As a hub of African-American history, Philadelphia offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the legacy and contributions of its Black community.

The city’s streets are imbued with stories of enslaved individuals who bravely escaped, pioneering civil rights activists, and trailblazing entrepreneurs.

From the hallowed halls of Mother Bethel Church to the vibrant Congo Square, each landmark reveals a chapter in the African-American experience.

Tracing the Footsteps of Enslaved Individuals

Philadelphia’s streets hold the hidden stories of the enslaved individuals who once walked them, their lives intertwined with the city’s tumultuous past.

The tour delves into the daring escape of Martha Washington’s handmaid, an enslaved woman who fled to Philadelphia in search of freedom.

Visitors retrace the steps of those who founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a pivotal institution in the fight against slavery.

They explore the legacy of Black Wall Street, a thriving African-American business district decimated by racial violence.

These powerful narratives bring to light the resilience and perseverance of Philadelphia’s forgotten community.

The Founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Though deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s history, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church emerged as a powerful institution born out of the need for Black Americans to worship freely and advocate for their rights.

In 1787, Reverend Richard Allen and other Black parishioners left St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church after facing discriminatory treatment. They founded Mother Bethel AME Church, the first AME congregation, which became a hub for the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.

Today, the church stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of Philadelphia’s African-American community.

Uncovering the Story of Black Wall Street

While Philadelphia’s African-American community faced immense challenges throughout history, they also built prosperous enclaves that challenged the dominant narrative. One such thriving district was known as "Black Wall Street," located in the heart of the city. This vibrant commercial hub was home to Black-owned businesses, professionals, and community leaders who defied the odds and achieved remarkable success.

Business	Owner	Impact
Wanamaker’s	Octavius Catto	Largest Black-owned department store
Binga Bank	Richard R. Wright Sr.	Provided financial services to the community
Keystone Athletic Club	William H. Lewis	Premier center for Black social and civic life
The Champion	P.L. Dunbar	Influential African-American newspaper
Whipper’s Hall	William Whipper	Hub for intellectual and cultural exchange

The story of Black Wall Street serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Philadelphia’s African-American population.

Discovering the Significance of the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell stands as an enduring symbol of American independence and the struggle for freedom, occupying a prominent place in Philadelphia’s history and the collective consciousness of the nation.

During the walking tour, visitors learn about the bell’s significance in the African-American experience:

• The bell was rung to summon the Pennsylvania Assembly, many of whom were slave owners.

• It was used to celebrate the passage of the Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery in 1780, a pivotal moment in the fight against slavery.

• Abolitionists later adopted the bell as an icon of their movement, its inscription "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land" resonating powerfully.

• The Liberty Bell became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement, symbolizing the ongoing quest for equality and justice.

• Today, it remains a potent reminder of America’s complex history and the resilience of the human spirit.

Understanding the Role of Congress Hall

As visitors explore the African-American history of Philadelphia, they’ll encounter Congress Hall, a site that played a pivotal role in the early days of the nation. This building served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where important decisions were made that shaped the country.

Congress Hall’s Significance
Housed U.S. Congress	1790 – 1800
Venue for Inaugural Balls	George Washington
Witnessed Debates	Slavery
Ratified Bill of Rights	1791
Witnessed First Impeachment	Senator Blount

The tour highlights how this landmark witnessed both progress and controversy, reflecting the complex history of the nation.

Visiting the Iconic Mother Bethel Church

One of the highlights of the African-American History Walking Tour is the visit to the iconic Mother Bethel Church. Founded in 1794, it’s the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans and the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the United States.

Visitors can admire the church’s beautiful architecture and learn about its pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.

Key features include:

• Richard Allen’s original pulpit
• Stained glass windows depicting important Black historical figures
• Burial vault where early AME church leaders are interred
• Archives showcasing the church’s rich history
• Opportunity to attend a lively Sunday service (optional)

Experiencing the Spirit of Congo Square

Although the tour primarily focuses on Philadelphia’s African-American heritage, a visit to Congo Square stands out as a particularly meaningful and immersive experience.

Located just off Independence Mall, this vibrant public space was historically a gathering place for the city’s Black community.

Guides recount the significance of Congo Square, where enslaved and free Africans would celebrate their culture through music, dance, and fellowship.

Visitors can almost feel the powerful spirit of resilience and joy that permeated this site, a reminder of the indomitable human spirit in the face of oppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is typically allowed during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of respecting the guide’s instructions and not interfering with the group’s experience. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand for any specific photography guidelines.

What Happens if the Tour Is Cancelled Due to Weather?

If the tour is cancelled due to weather, the tour provider will fully refund the ticket price or reschedule the tour at no additional cost. Participants will be notified of the cancellation in advance.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the 2-Hour Tour?

The tour itinerary does not include scheduled restroom breaks. However, participants are encouraged to take breaks as needed during the approximately 2-hour walking tour. Restrooms are available at the meeting and ending points.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts Along the Tour Route?

While the tour route does not include any designated shopping stops, visitors may have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs or gifts at the Independence Visitor Center located at the tour’s starting point. However, the focus of the experience is on the historical narrative.

Is the Meeting Point Easily Accessible by Public Transportation?

The meeting point at the Independence Visitor Center is highly accessible by public transportation. It’s located near major transit hubs, making it convenient for visitors to reach the starting point of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Black Journey tour offers an immersive exploration of Philadelphia’s African-American history. Participants discover the city’s pivotal role in the abolitionist movement, the thriving Black Wall Street, and the profound impact of African-Americans on landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Congress Hall. This enlightening experience celebrates the resilience, community, and enduring legacy of the African-American community in shaping Philadelphia’s rich, multifaceted heritage.