This summer, I worked as an intern at the Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites (CPCRS). Our mission is to advance the understanding and sustainable conservation of heritage places commemorating American civil rights histories and Black heritage. My work for this summer mainly focused on nominating several civil rights sites to the African American Civil Rights Network (AACRN). This network, administered by the National Park Service, recognizes and supports sites that have been instrumental in the struggle for civil rights.My work was carried out in a gradual manner. In the first week, we were required to have a basic knowledge of what “civil rights” means, and were asked to give a definition to the term “civil rights”. Through learning and writing, I was able to know the history of the civil rights movement, especially in Philadelphia. In the next few weeks, I received an inventory that included several civil rights sites in Philadelphia. My responsibility for this period was to dig into the history, location, and current condition of these sites through archival research and fieldwork, which made me realize that, for most civil rights sites in this inventory, no preservation methods but historic markers could tell their civil rights stories.
My internship derived largely from Prof. Amber Wiley’s class, Topics in Historic Preservation & Public History Revolutionary Approaches to Philadelphia’s Black Heritage, during which I developed a comprehensive understanding of Black heritage. Through specific research on the Underground Railroad, I learned the urgency and importance of preserving and researching Black Heritage in Philadelphia. Thus, I applied for the position of intern at CPCRS. Throughout this journey, I explored various sites connected to the struggle for justice and equality. I learned about the ongoing efforts to preserve these places and the hurdles faced in ensuring their stories are told and remembered. These sites are not just historical markers; they are living testimonies to the resilience and courage of those who fought for civil rights. This experience has reinforced my commitment to advocating for the preservation of Philadelphia’s Black heritage. Moving forward, I am determined to contribute to the protection and recognition of these vital sites, ensuring that future generations understand and honor the legacy of the civil rights movement. This internship has been a transformative experience that has solidified my dedication to preserving the rich history of African American communities in Philadelphia.
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