Wanting to know more about Black history in Philadelphia, we rang up the proprietor of The Black Journey, Raina Yancey, and asked if she’d be able to host a virtual walking tour, lucky for us she said yes!
In just a little over one hour, she wove her gift of storytelling and bringing history to light. We were captivated by the details of black lives and historic figures from the 1600-1800s. We walked away with a very big lesson, we all need this tour in our lives. In that short time, Raina took us on a Black Journey that was enlightening and gives strength to continue the fight for equality that echoes so much of the past.
We don’t want to give away the secrets, surprises, and details that The Black Journey has curated into a jam-packed tour, but here are a few teasers to get you intrigued and ready to book your own.
photo credit: The Philadelphia Art Museum | Pepper-Pot: A Scene in the Philadelphia Market | John Lewis Krimmel, American (born Germany), 1786 - 1821
Raina began by painting a picture of what black lives looked like in 1684 when a ship named Isabella sails into port bringing 164 enslaved Angolans. Slaves set to work, building a colony called Philadelphia. Although many remained enslaved, over time some people of African descent began the long road to freeing themselves. Black communities were beginning to dominate certain professions and gain wealth. A woman selling Pepper Pot Soup, black bankers supplying loans to both black and whites, and we were pleased to hear investing in real estate was on the list! A city where slaves and free people of African descent in various economic classes, living in Philadelphia side by side. Many active in the fight to free enslaved people.
photo credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer | David Maialetti | Staff Photographer
Our next “stop” on the tour was hearing about the complicated truth of the Gradual Abolition Act passed on March 1, 1780. This act allowed enslaved people who had a residency of 6 months in Pennsylvania to head to the courts to declare freedom. There is always a way to circumvent a law, however, and George Washington himself was often guilty of taking advantage of the loophole in this act. Bringing slaves out of state for a moment, just before that 6-month mark, allowed slave owners to reset the clock and never allow the residency requirement to be reached. The law also stated anyone born into slavery, to be an indentured servant for 28 years, and was then to be freed. These years of the hardest, back-breaking work meant that only one-third of indentured servants saw their 28th birthday.
photo credit: Historic Society of Pennsylvania
Despite the painful black history of this time, Raina shares some rays of light and joy along the Black Journey. Celebrations in Congo Square (Washington Square Park) where black communities would gather, dance, visit the graves of family and speak their native tongue. Raina also sprinkled in special real estate details just for us. She “walked us through” the history of Mother Bethel A.M.E Church. It is the oldest continuous piece of real estate owned by people of African descent in the entire united states!
There is so much more to tell, but we will leave it to Raina and The Black Journey. If you are looking for an educational and moving experience, book your tour today. They are only offering virtual tours at the moment. We thank Raina for continuing to provide the history of her ancestors. People who deserve their story to be told with truth and respect.
Northern Liberties is perfectly placed with walkable access to Fishtown, Olde Kensington, Poplar and Old City. It’s also chock o 'block with restaurants, bars, retail and small businesses that the community relies on. We put together the perfect Nolibs itinerary that will get you lost in the streets (in a good way!).