South Street Headhouse District Adds New Stops Along Black History Self-Guided Tour

-Courtesy of Philly PR Girl

Last year, in honor of Black History Month, the South Street Headhouse District debuted its Black History on South Street: A Self-Guided Tour. This year, the SSHD has added new stops that will take visitors throughout the district to locations that have shaped the history and culture of the city. This tour is free and open to the public all year round, highlighting enduring Black history on and around South Street alongside ephemeral installations that pay tribute to Philadelphia Black history from past to present.

Black History and South Street History are inseparable, encompassing multiple sites such asthe all-Black Engine #11 fire station; the Seventh Ward and sociological studies of W.E.B. DuBois; Black community members like educator and civil rights activist Octavius V. Catto, artist Conrad Booker, and skateboarder Roger Browne; as well as the origin stories for would-be famous performers like Boyz II Men and The Roots.

The new stops include: 

• A tribute to The Orlons’ classic “South Street” album, featuring a framed original copy of the vinyl record, jacket, and insert (South Street Off Center, 407 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147).
• Settlement Music School, whose notable alumni include Kevin Eubanks of The Tonight Show; Chubby Checker, singer, and dancer; Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge; and Questlove of The Roots & The Tonight Show (416 Queen St, Philadelphia, PA 19147).
• The 7th Ward Tribute’s “Reflecting Revenants” art installation at two neighborhood businesses (Black and Nobel,  422 South Street, and Greene Street Consignment, 700 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147).
• Wheatpaste installations for Philly rapper Tierra Whack’s new album, “World Wide Whack” (304 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147).

The South Street Headhouse District’s Black History on South Street: A Self-Guided Tour will feature these and many more iconic Black historical landmarks throughout the district; some that have and will be around for many years to come and some that are only available to view this month. The district encourages visitors to follow along on their Instagram as they will be uncovering more Black history on and around South Street throughout the month.

Black History continues to thrive on South Street at their Black Owned Businesses. Make sure to visit and support these shops, stores, salons, and restaurants throughout the self-guided tour! For more information on tour locations and all things South Street, follow South Street Headhouse District on  Instagram, Twitter, and like the Facebook page.