The Extraordinary Black Heritage in Philly’s Everyday Places

Mariam Williams, of The Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites will moderate a panel discussion that marks the culmination of the Free Library of Philadelphia's Black Histories of Philadelphia exhibition (closing April 26, 2025). Explore how the stories of the past are being used as a transformative tool to inspire and uplift current communities, delving into the rich history of everyday Black Philadelphians.

Speakers include:

• Victoria Best, of The Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets
• Vashti DuBois, founder of The Colored Girls Museum
• Maya Thomas, of The Dox Thrash House Project

Moderated by:

• Mariam Williams, of The Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites

The Black Histories of Philadelphia exhibition looks at some of the stories of people and places that make up Philadelphia’s countless histories. 

Some stories are kept, some fade over time, and others are misrepresented or silenced. The people featured in this exhibition created change through determination and innovation. They overcame obstacles and fought for their successes, just as community members today fight to keep their legacies alive. 

Explore these stories of Black Philadelphians and the efforts to preserve their enduring impact.

Black Histories of Philadelphia is a collaboration of the Children’s Literature Research Collection, the Map Collection, and the Print and Picture Collection. The exhibition is located in the Second Floor West Gallery of Parkway Central Library.