A DOZEN AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS AND RESTAURANTS NOT TO MISS IN PHILLY IN 2009

 Mark The Calendar For A Spring And Summer To Remember

PHILADELPHIA, May 11, 2009 – Travelers heading to Philadelphia this spring or summer will have a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich African-American history and culture thanks to an assortment of special events and exhibitions taking place in the city and beyond. During the course of both seasons, they can check out The African American Museum in Philadelphia’s brand-new permanent exhibition to learn about the experiences of African-Americans living in 18^th-century Philadelphia; groove to the sounds of The Roots, Public Enemy and other all-star groups at the second annual Roots Picnic; and examine their thoughts about skin color at RACE: Are We So Different? on view at The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Here’s what’s in store for summer 2009:

Museum Exhibitions:

1.      America I AM: The African American Imprint – Making its world debut at the National Constitution Center, America I AM celebrates the contributions of Africans and African-Americans over nearly 500 years through artifacts, narration, music, art and video. From the “Doors of No Return” that led captive Africans on a journey to the Americas to the bench where Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” this four-year traveling show, conceived by radio and television personality Tavis Smiley, shows how Africans in America have impacted history. Visitors also have a chance to become part of the nation’s largest oral history project. Through May 3. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org

2.      RACE: Are We So Different? – Using video images and audio material, this exhibition at The Franklin draws from biological, cultural, historical and contemporary points of views to challenge patrons to rethink their notions about race and racism in the United States. May 23-September 7. 222 N. 20^th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu

3.      Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia, 1776-1876 – At this new permanent exhibition at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, visitors listen to life-sized 3D characters speak fervently about their lives, beliefs and aspirations in 18^th-century Philadelphia; explore an interactive timeline documenting more than 100 years of entrepreneurship, environment, education, religion and family traditions in the African-American community; and discover whose descendants still call the region home.

Opens Juneteenth (June 19). 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org

Art & Music Festivals:

4.      25^th Annual Celebration of Black Writing Festival – Through workshops, children’s and hip-hop youth pavilions, a performance stage and book fair, this festival celebrates the homegrown works of the African-American community, which includes books, plays, films, poetry and performances that emerged from a culture whose ancestors were forbidden to become literate. May 21-23. Temple University, Cecil B. Moore Avenue, (215) 232-4485, artsanctuary.org

5.      Lincoln 200: The Bicentennial Birthday Festival – Two centuries after his birth, Abraham Lincoln is more popular than ever. This summer, Philadelphia honors the 16^th president and his connection to the city with special events, festivals and exhibitions. Little-known details of Lincoln’s life are revealed in the Rosenbach Museum & Library’s Finding Lincoln exhibition, featuring artifacts, original manuscripts and other items related to the Great Emancipator. May 27-August 30. 2008 Delancey Place,

(215) 732-1600, rosenbach.org. During Fourth of July weekend, the birthday festival, themed “Lincoln Then and Now,” gears up on Independence Mall with art displays, exhibitions, performances, living history programs, storytelling and children’s activities. July 3-5. Between Arch & Chestnut Streets and 5^th & 6^th Streets, lincoln200philly.org

6.      Hidden City – During this five-weekend—and mostly free—festival, local and international artists animate the city’s hidden gems through dance, music and other means of storytelling that shed light on sites’ rich history. Participants discover the lost stories of places like the Philadelphia Opera House, The Royal Theater, Founder’s Hall at Girard College and Shiloh Baptist Church. Weekends, May 30-June 28. hiddencityphila.org

7.      The Roots Picnic – The pioneering—not to mention Grammy^® Award-winning—hip-hop band brings together artists from various genres to Penn’s Landing for a day of music and fun. In its second year, the picnic includes all-star performances by Philadelphia’s own Santigold, Writtenhouse, Back to Basics, TV on the Radio, The Black Keys, Public Enemy and others. June 6. Great Plaza, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street,
(215) 928-8801, delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

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