Tel.: 267-702-3479
Email: blackphiladelphiawalkingtour@gmail.com
Visit Us:
Mon - Fri: By appointment
Saturday: 2pm - 4pm
Sunday: 2pm - 4pm
The Black Journey: African-American Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Welcome to The Black Journey!
Beyond comparison the most exciting and fact filled 2 hour adventure offered in Philly. Learn about the history of Black Philadelphia while soaking in the fullest array of our nation's most important and historical monuments and sights. With a focus on the city's early history, Black Philadelphia Walking Tour will bring to light every detail of Philly's Black past. Hear about Black American’s role in the history of the nation's foundation. The tour is perfect for individuals, groups, corporate events, schools, family reunions, camps, scouts, and so much more.
The 7th
Ward Black History Tour
Philadelphia’s famous Seventh Ward was a thriving and bustling community populated by many Black Philadelphians as well as immigrants from the end of the 18th century until the 1960s. By 1900 the Ward was home to approximately 30% of Black Philadelphians. Boasting the largest Black population in the city, the Seventh Ward was the epicenter of Black culture and home to many past and present African-American schools, churches and institutions as well as abolitionists, educators, athletes and political and women’s civil rights activists.
The Seventh Ward was so fascinating that W.E.B Du Bois traveled to Philadelphia to conduct his study of Philadelphia’s Black population residing in the ward. Staying in the Seventh Ward, Dr. Du Bois conducted door-to-door in-depth interviews with Black Philadelphians from all walks of life. He witnessed economic, educational, and political discrimination.
The
Original Black History Tour
Take a journey to Congo Square, visit the unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of the yellow fever epidemic, and other locations you will visit first hand. See where the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1793. Hear about Martha Washington’s enslaved handmaiden who emancipated herself and others who traveled along the underground railroad. Learn about the Old London Coffee Shop where humans were inspected and sold into slavery.
Walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders and founding fathers. Hear about prominent early African-Americans. Beyond question the most in-depth, authentic, and entertaining tour offered on the eastern sea board! A must see in Philadelphia.
Sites visited:
1. President's House
2. Liberty Bell
3. Independence Hall
4. Congress Hall
5. Congo Square
6. Mother Bethel AME Church
Revolutionary Philadelphia Tour
Join us for an exciting historical journey through the streets of Philadelphia in 1776! Experience the sights and sounds of the American Revolution as we walk through significant landmarks and learn about the events that shaped our nation's history. Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the revolutionary spirit of Philadelphia!
Sites visited:
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Benjamin Franklin Court
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Betsy Ross House
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Liberty Bell
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Independence Hall
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Congress Hall
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Original Supreme Court Building
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Washington Square/ Congo Square
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First Bank of the U.S.
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President’s House Site
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Elfeth's Alley
This walking tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Philadelphia's rich history and its role in the founding and early years of the United States.
The 1838 Black Metropolis 101 Tour
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Philadelphia's rich history with our 1838 Black Metropolis Walking Tour, an exploration of the Free Black population before the 1860s. Delve into the narratives of real individuals unveiled through meticulous research into the Black lived experience in Philadelphia around the 1838 timeframe. and the data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census.
Starting with data from the 1838 Pennsylvania Abolition Society Census and expanding that data set from primary sources, this immersive experience takes you to early 1800s civil rights sites, clandestine Underground Railroad locations, and Black built infrastructure hidden in plain sight.
Our tour courageously delves into challenging histories, celebrating the remarkable achievements of our ancestors.
⚕️Healing Legacies: Black Medical History Tour
This exciting and immersive walking tour traces the rich, complicated, and often untold legacy of Black medicine in Philadelphia—a city where Black resilience in healthcare has endured in the face of systemic injustice for centuries.
Healing Legacies shines a light on the groundbreaking work of early Black physicians, nurses, and midwives who provided lifesaving care in segregated hospitals and clinics, established training programs, and built community health institutions from the ground up. Their contributions helped lay the foundation for Black medical excellence in Philadelphia and beyond—often against incredible odds.
But this tour doesn’t shy away from the painful truths. You’ll confront disturbing chapters in Philadelphia’s medical past, including the unethical Holmesburg Prison experiments, the mistreatment and storage of MOVE bombing victims’ remains, and the exploitation of Black bodies for scientific advancement without consent.
As you walk the city’s streets, you’ll visit powerful historic sites:
🏥 Former Black hospitals that once served as safe havens in a segregated system
💀 Locations where body snatching occurred for medical research
Healing Legacies invites you not just to learn—but to reflect. To celebrate the contributions of Black medical pioneers. To reckon with the injustices that still echo. And to consider how we can all play a role in building a more equitable and compassionate future.
⚖️Power, Purpose & Justice: The Legacy of Black Lawyers in Philadelphia (Lecture Only)
Step into the powerful world of Philadelphia’s African American legal pioneers—brilliant minds who shattered barriers, championed justice, and reshaped America.
This dynamic and comprehensive tour dives into the courageous legacy of Black attorneys who didn’t just practice law—they transformed it. From fighting Jim Crow to crafting civil rights policy at the national level, Black lawyers from Philadelphia were central to pivotal moments in American history, including Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Meet legal trailblazers like John C. Asbury, John Adams Sparks, and the groundbreaking Sadie T.M. Alexander, the first Black woman to receive a law degree from Penn—and the Honorable Doris May Harris, who carried that torch forward.
We’ll also explore the historic Liacouras Committee Report of 1970, which exposed systemic racial bias in Pennsylvania’s bar exam process—and helped ignite a push for lasting reform.
Whether you're a student of the law or a lover of untold history, this is an inspiring look at how Black Philadelphia lawyers helped to define justice, not just in the courtroom—but in the heart of a movement.
FAQs
❓ How long is the tour?
The tour typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on group size and pace. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early.
❓ How much walking is involved?
We cover approximately 1.5 to 2 miles at a moderate pace with frequent stops. The route is mostly flat and paved, but comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
❓ Will the tour still run in bad weather?
Yes! Tours are held light rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather. If the weather is severe, we will reschedule or refund, whatever your preference. We encourage dressing appropriately for the forecast. A limited number of ponchos may be available for light rain.
❓ Is the tour appropriate for children?
The tour contains sensitive historical content, including topics like enslavement and systemic racism. Parental discretion is advised.
❓ Is the route accessible for wheelchairs or mobility devices?
We aim to make our tours as accessible as possible. Most routes are wheelchair-friendly, but Philadelphia sidewalks may be uneven in some areas. Please contact us ahead of time with any accessibility needs so we can accommodate you.
❓ Are there restroom breaks?
There are no scheduled restroom stops during the tour. We recommend using facilities beforehand. (We’re happy to direct you to nearby restrooms at the start/end points.)
❓ Can I take photos or video during the tour?
Absolutely! We encourage respectful photography and tagging us on social media @theblackjourney. However, please be mindful of the guide and group when taking photos. We ask that you do not take more than 5 minutes in aggregate of videos.
❓ How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in advance at our website:
🌐 www.blackjourneyphiladelphia.com
❓ Can I book a private tour for a group or organization?
Yes! We offer private and educational group tours. Email us at: blackphiladelphiawalkingtour@gmail.com for more information and pricing.
❓ Can I buy souvenirs?
Yes! A curated selection of Black Journey souvenirs—including apparel, books, and keepsakes—can be purchased online after your tour.
🛍️ Shop at: https://the-black-journey.creator-spring.com
❓ Should I tip the guide?
Tips are not required, but they are greatly appreciated as a way to thank your guide for their time, knowledge, and energy. Venmo or cash tips are welcome!
Join us to learn about the vibrant and impactful Black history of Philadelphia and gain a new perspective on the city.
