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Philadelphia’s Black community embodies the vibrancy and spirit of the diaspora itself.
And any trip to the birthplace of freedom and democracy (however imperfect) would not be complete without exploring the culture, community and history that has been cultivated here.
Black Philadelphians’ contributions to history, art, music, business and culture are undeniable and extend well beyond the region. (Quick: “In West Philadelphia born and raised …”)
The Greater Philadelphia region has long been a place of refuge for the Black community, from Black Americans fleeing slavery and oppression in the American South to more recent African and Caribbean immigrants in search of opportunity.
Today, 4 in 10 Philadelphians identify as Black (the fifth-largest population of any city in the nation).
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More than 80% of the Black community calls Point Breeze, North, West or Southwest Philly home.
Philly history is African American history — and many museums, monuments and murals pay tribute to the people and moments in Black history that changed the nation, from pre-colonial and Revolutionary times to the abolitionist and Civil Rights Movement through present day.
Step back in time at historic places like The President’s House and Johnson House. Or explore contemporary history at a site like The Colored Girls Museum.
Johnson House Historic Site — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Amazing food — just like history — is all around from South Philly back to Uptown (aka Northwest Philly), and the options are just as diverse as Philly’s Black community, ranging from soulful fine dining restaurants like SOUTH to authentic African and Caribbean takeout like Le Mandingue African Restaurant and Ackee Tree Jamaican Restaurant.
With innovative concepts like Down North and Honeysuckle Provisions, Black chefs have stepped into the national spotlight with their creativity and impact. And Philadelphia’s growing community of Black entrepreneurs are doing the same with businesses in every industry from vintage apparel (Blk Ivy Thrift) to health and wellness (Dope Botanicals).
Nakia and Taahirah Stith of Dope Botanicals — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Speaking of creativity, many of Black Philadelphia’s biggest annual celebrations and year-round events, parties and nightlife venues highlight the city as a capital of culture.
Each year, The Roots Picnic draws thousands to Fairmount Park for two days of performances and family reunion-like vibes. The ODUNDE Festival and the Juneteenth Parade and Festival fill Philly streets with Black art and culture. And annually, the BlackStar Film Festival uplifts Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmakers from around the world.
Juneteenth Parade — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
The ACANA Festival celebrates the African diaspora, and Philly Black Pride emphasizes the strength and resilience of Philly’s community of LGBTQ+ people of color.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?