Philadelphia's African American History

In this richly illustrated 40-minute talk, historian/educator/writer Amy Cohen summarizes 500 years of Philadelphia’s African American history by examining markers and monuments across the city’s landscape. She will explain how formal recognition of people, places, and events does—and does not—reveal the deep roots and continuing legacy of the Philadelphia Black experience. A timeline and list of resources will be emailed to you following the talk should you care to delve deeper into any of the information presented.

Amy Cohen taught African American history at Masterman High School for eight years and currently serves as the Director of Education for History Making Productions, a local documentary film company. She is also a monthly columnist for Hidden City.

FitC Contact/Questions: Heather Speirs