In 1838, the Pennsylvania legislature voted to remove the right to vote from 40,000 free Black men in Pennsylvania.  What's not clearly been detailed until now is the history of the 1838 Civil Rights movement, an organized effort between Black leaders in Pittsburgh and Philly, to prevent that loss.  In the first half of this session we will walk through the movement; reviewing the writings, the petitions, the memorials, and the actions to keep the right to vote.  

The second half of this session will focus on the digital tools to help you teach this history. This includes the 1838 ArcGIS map, digitized primary sources, videos and interactive timelines. The second half will be an interactive workshop.  Laptops will be needed.  Wifi will be provided.

On 02/12/2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, the School District of Philadelphia is planning a profound Black History Month learning experience in collaboration with the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust as we delve into the rich tapestry of unknown local Black Philadelphia History. This event, in conjunction with the 1838 Black Metropolis, is a testament to the commitment of the School District of Philadelphia to explore, reclaim, and celebrate suppressed or forgotten Black histories.

The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust, a stalwart 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1966, will donate the use of their Sullivan Conference Room and host the 1838 Black Metropolis workshop with the aim to bring forth narratives that have often been overlooked.

This collaborative initiative stands as a proud moment for Black History education. Join us for an evening of enlightenment and discovery as we unfold the pages of local Black Philadelphia History, rewriting and restoring narratives that deserve recognition. Together, let's celebrate the resilience, contributions, and stories that have shaped Philadelphia’s Black community.