Black Lives Matter
Historic Germantown Consortium
Black Lives Matter Statement
5.25.21
We, the member sites of the Historic Germantown consortium, affirm that Black Lives Matter. We stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color communities, and share their grief over lives lost and their goals for social justice. We honor the presence of Black and Brown residents, activists, and leaders in Northwest Philadelphia.
The consortium holds itself accountable to a high standard of inclusion and outreach, and acknowledges the deep rifts in our neighborhoods caused by racism, violence, disinvestment, and white supremacy. We condemn these behaviors and structures, holding space to claim our role in making positive changes within our institutions and in the wider world.
Historic Germantown sites will continue to tell diverse and fascinating stories of the past, present, and future that highlight pride of place, famous firsts, prominent families and grassroots leaders, and the ongoing struggle for freedom. In this work, we will foster greater participation, equity and opportunity within our community, striving to make the repairs and share the resources necessary to build goodwill and promote social justice now and into the future.
Introduction
Historic Germantown affirms #BlackLivesMatter and commemorates lives lost on this 1-year anniversary of George Floyd’s killing. The rapid changes in our country over the past year have heightened our social awareness, shifted our perspectives and reified our commitment to being a good neighbor. We realize that social justice is at the heart of all, and affirming Black Lives Matter needs the words, deeds and actions combined to make a difference. As a consortium of 18 historic sites located in Northwest Philadelphia, Historic Germantown is an active cohort of socially responsive museums. As a core part of our commitment and culmination of our outreach, on May 25th, 2021 the 1-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, we are transparently presenting our BLM statement, process and actions happening at our historic sites, to the community. Answering the calls for greater equity, institutional accountability and more pathways to participation for community members.
Tuomi Forrest Executive Director of Historic Germantown states
“As our nation embarks on a journey of repair, one year since the murder of George Floyd, Historic Germantown, with and in support of our 18 affiliated cultural sites, affirms Black Lives Matter. We have a vision for inclusion in Northwest Philadelphia: we want all visitors to feel deeply cared about, called in, respected and protected, as we clearly face all aspects of our history — of our organizations, of this community, and of our country. In this majority African American community, we gather with neighbors through our consortium to help dismantle racist structures and systems as our collective responsibility”
Keep in touch with your feedback, suggestions and encouragement for the journey ahead. info@freedomsbackyard.com
To read our Action & Inclusion Plan, click on the link below:
Black Lives Matter Action & Inclusion Plan
Resources and Information:
African American Heritage Guide to Philadelphia’s Historic Northwest
Published by the Germantown Historical Society with support from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council in 2006. We are working on a new, updated and refreshed digital publication in the near future.
Articles from the Germantown Crier, the publication of the Germantown Historical Society
When Harlem Renaissance Came to Germantown: Negro Achievement Week April 1928, Spring 2009
- David W. Young, PhD., former director of Cliveden, wrote this article based on research for his dissertation for his PhD. at Ohio State University. You can read more about it and Germantown public history in his book, The Battles of Germantown: Effective Public History in America published in 2019.
Special focus edition of the Crier featuring multiple articles on 19th and early 20th century African American businessman and philanthropist, John S. Trower
- In Celebration of John S. Trower, His Legacy, And Achievements
- The Estate of John S. Trower (1849-1911), Caterer and Restauranteur of Germantown by Oscar Beisert
- John S. Trower and His Legacy as Discussed in Booker T. Washington’s The Negro in Business by Supreme Dow
- John S. Trower and His Catering Business by Stacey Swigart
- In Memoriam: Eugene Glenn Stackhouse, A Man for All Seasons by Dianne Tzouras
- Black Writers Museum by Supreme Dow