Free

Special Edition www.earlharvey.com July 26, 2019

2 Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018
Visitors and Residents are invited to explore African American History in Philadelphia
Unique, Compelling Story Of Early African-Americans, as told
throughout Philadelphia, The National Constitution Center, which houses
an extremely rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by
President Abraham Lincoln, and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, the
mother church of the nation’s first black denomination, are just two of the
dozens of sites to experience African American history in the
Philadelphia region. Jenea Robinson jenea@visitphilly.com
Just as U.S. history is African-American history, Philadelphia history
is African-American history. The nation’s birthplace and first World
Heritage City is home to the founding church of the African Methodist
Episcopal denomination (201-year-old Mother Bethel A.M.E.) and the
country’s first major museum devoted to black American history (African
American Museum in Philadelphia).Landmarks in Philadelphia’s Historic
District, from the Liberty Bell to street-side Historical Markers, tell of
the successes, struggles and contributions of African-Americans through
the centuries. Beyond the original city, Philadelphia’s vibrant
neighborhoods offer glimpses into the pasts of African-American whose
impacts live on today (Marian Anderson Residence, Paul Robeson
House).
These Philadelphia museums, landmarks, churches and other sites are
rich in African-American history.
Museums:
The African American Museum in Philadelphia, founded in 1976,
is the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and
exhibit the heritage and culture of African-Americans. Now celebrating
its 40th year, the museum takes a fresh, bold look at the roles of
African-Americans in the founding of the nation through the core exhibit
Audacious Freedom. Other exhibitions and programs reveal the history,
stories and cultures of those of African descent throughout the African
diaspora. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
At Independence Seaport Museum, Tides of Freedom: African
Presence on the Delaware River uses the city’s eastern river to uncover
the African experience in Philadelphia, including enslavement,
emancipation, Jim Crow and Civil Rights. Guest curated by Dr. Tukufu
Zuberi, a University of Pennsylvania professor, the exhibit tells a
300-year-old story that unfolds through artifacts from the museum’s own
collection and compelling first-person accounts. Penn’s Landing, 211 S.
Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655,phillyseaport.org
The National Constitution Center houses an extremely rare copy of
the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
The order that declared enslaved persons in rebellious areas of the South
free is permanently on display in the Civil War alcove, which examines
the turning-point year of 1863. Through self-guided tours and interactive
programs, the museum also illustrates the contributions of notable
African-Americans; delves into pivotal Supreme Court cases such as
Dred Scott v. Sanford and Brown v. Board of Education; and explores the
amendments that established rights for all citizens. A more recent
highlight: the original, signed copy of Barack Obama’s “A More Perfect
Union” speech, delivered onsite during his 2008 presidential campaign.
525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
The National Liberty Museum presents the enduring story of
liberty, both in history and today. The Heroes From Around the World
gallery spotlights notable people from all walks of life and time periods
who protected and advanced freedom—including well-known figures
such as Nelson Mandela and lesser-known people like Gail Gibson, a
New Orleans nurse whose bravery helped save lives during Hurricane
Katrina. The Live Like A Hero gallery showcases teachers, students,
police officers, firefighters and other ordinary citizens who use their
voices and talents to advocate for positive change, and the gallery
includes a special section on students’ ideas about freedom after watch-
ing the film Selma. 321 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-2800,
libertymuseum.org
Historic Sites & Attractions:
Throughout Philadelphia—and the entire state, in fact—Historical
Markers capture the stories of people, places and events that shaped our
country. The blue signs act as mini-history lessons, including: First
Protest Against Slavery (5109 Germantown Avenue), where a group of
German Quakers wrote a protest against slavery in 1688; Free African
Society (6th & Lombard Streets), an organization that fostered identity,
leadership and unity among black people; James Forten (336 Lombard
Street), a wealthy sailmaker who employed multi-racial craftsmen and
championed reform causes; Octavius V. Catto (812 South Street), an
African-American educator, Union army major and political organizer
who was assassinated in 1871 while urging African-Americans to vote;
Pennsylvania Abolition Society (Front Street between Walnut & Chestnut
Streets), the first American abolition society; Philadelphia Female
Anti-Slavery Society (5th & Arch Streets), organized by Quaker
abolitionist Lucretia Mott; W. E. B. Du Bois (6th & Rodman Streets), an
activist, author and co-founder of the NAACP; and William Still (244 S.
12th Street), an Underground Railroad agent.pahistoricalmarkers.com
The Johnson House Historic Site, part of the Colonial Germantown
Historic District, attained National Historic Landmark recognition for its
role in the Underground Railroad. Tours offer visitors an opportunity to
learn about the injustices of slavery and the people who risked their lives
for others’ freedom. 6306 Germantown Avenue, (215) 438-1768,
johnsonhouse.org
Inside the Liberty Bell Center, visitors uncover the connection
between the Liberty Bell and African-American history. Videos and
interactive displays explain how the abolitionist movement adopted the
icon of freedom based on the inscribed quote from Leviticus—“Proclaim
liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”—as a
symbol of its anti-slavery activities. Beginning in the late 1800s, the
Liberty Bell traveled around the country to expositions to help heal the
divisions of the Civil War. It reminded Americans of earlier days when
they worked together for independence. 5th & Market Streets,
(215) 965-2305,nps.gov/inde
An understated façade houses the three-story home of opera singer,
humanitarian and civil rights icon Marian Anderson. The Marian
Anderson Residence Museum, listed National Register of Historic
Places, reveals the life and work of the first African-American to perform
at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. People can tour the house every
day except Sunday. 762 S. Martin Street, (215) 779-4219,
marianandersonhistoricalsociety.weebly.com
Located in West Philadelphia, the Paul Robeson House served as the
residence for the esteemed human rights activist, scholar, attorney, actor,
football player and singer during the last decade of his life. Tours give
visitors a chance to hear songs he recorded, learn about Robeson’s
politics and discover his life of accomplishments—including his family’s
18th-century roots in Philadelphia. 4951 Walnut Street, (215) 747-4675,
paulrobesonhouse.org
At The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a
New Nation, visitors see structural fragments of the home where
Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms and where the
first president kept nine enslaved Africans. The open-air Independence
National Historical Park site, located just steps from the Liberty Bell
Center, invites people to learn about the events that transpired through
illustrated glass panels and video re-enactments, and then partake in
silent reflection. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-2305,nps.gov/inde
People of all ages can perch on free Once Upon A Nation’s
Storytelling Benches at 13 locations around Philadelphia’s Historic
District. Professional storytellers regale their audiences with tales of the
well-known and not-so-well-known people who shaped America’s
history. Benches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Maps
of the bench locations are available at the Independence Visitor Center.
6th & Market Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
Churches:
With Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and George Washington among
its worshippers, Christ Church made history by ordaining Absalom
Jones as the country’s first African-American priest (Episcopalian),
baptizing 25% of the free and enslaved African-Americans in
Philadelphia over a 20-year period and helping to establish a school to
educate slaves. Tours of the National Park Service-affiliated church, a
National Historic Landmark, occur throughout the day. 20 N. American
Street, (215) 922-1695, christchurchphila.org
Founded by Bishop Richard Allen with the first church building
dedicated in 1794, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal
(A.M.E.) Church sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by
African-Americans, and is the “Mother” church of the nation’s first black
denomination. Today, Mother Bethel comprises three institutions under
one roof: church, museum and archive. The congregation worships
weekly. The museum houses the tomb of Bishop Richard Allen and
artifacts dating back to the 1600s. Reservations encouraged for the daily
museum tour. 419 S. 6th Street, (215) 925-0616,motherbethel.org
Prior to the establishment of local African-American churches, St.
George’s United Methodist Church welcomed black worshippers and
licensed Richard Allen and Absalom Jones as the first African-American
Methodist lay preachers. A dispute over segregated seating policies led to
a walkout and the creation of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas
and Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. St. George’s continues to work on
amends for previous racial injustices. Portraits, items of worship,
manuscripts and artifacts from the church’s early years are on display in
the original building, classroom and museum, open Tuesday through
Friday, with Saturday tours by appointment and Sunday services. 235 N.
4th Street, (215) 925-7788, historicstgeorges.org

Art & Theater:
Mural Arts Philadelphia has an African American Iconic Images
Collection Trolley Tour in its repertoire, available for private
bookings.During the two-hour experience, visitors discover the people
and stories depicted on the larger-than-life artworks that adorn the city’s
buildings and walls. (215) 925-3633, muralarts.org
The Clef Club formed in 1966 through the efforts of Philadelphia’s
African-American musicians union, Union Local No. 274 of the
American Federation of Musicians. With notable members including
John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie, the social club played a significant
role in the advancement of jazz in Philadelphia and the world. In 1978, it
expanded its mission to include jazz performance, instruction and
preservation, becoming the nation’s first facility constructed specifically
as a jazz institution. Today, people enjoy concerts in the 240-seat
performance space. 738 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-9912,
clefclubofjazz.org
As one of the nation’s most honored black professional theater
companies, New Freedom Theatre has staged productions from
celebrated African-American playwrights such as James Baldwin, Ossie
Davis, Charles Fuller, Ntozake Shange, August Wilson and Leroi Jones.
Its alumni include Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. 1346 N. Broad Street,
(888) 802-8998, freedomtheatre.org
Built in 1919, the Royal Theater served the city’s African-American
community by bringing performers such as Cab Calloway, Pearl Baily
and Billie Holiday to Philadelphia. Listed in the Philadelphia Register of
Historic Places, it also screened double features and films starring
African-American actors, including Philadelphia’s Paul Robeson.
Though it closed in 1970 and is currently slated to be developed into
residences, its façade—painted with a vibrant mural showcasing
performers Fats Waller and Bessie Smith—celebrates its heyday. 1524
South Street
Sculptures:
In 1927, African-American Pennsylvania legislator Samuel Beecher
Hart proposed a memorial that became All Wars Memorial to Colored
Soldiers and Sailors. Sculptor J. Otto Schweizer depicted
African-American officers and enlisted men surrounded by American
eagles and the allegorical figure of Justice, clutching symbols of Honor
and Reward. Initially installed in Fairmount Park, it later found its home
near Logan Circle on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 20th Street &
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Sculptor Stephen Layne spent eight months creating the clay model
for the Smokin’ Joe Frazier memorial statue. He wanted to perfectly
Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018 3
capture the moment when the Philly native dropped Muhammed Ali with
a left hook in 15th round of “The Fight of the Century.” The 11-foot-tall,
1,800-pound bronze sculpture stands in the heart of South Philadelphia’s
sports area outside XFINITY Live! 1100 Pattison Avenue
African-American Facts About Philadelphia:
Julian Abele became the first African-American architect to design a
major museum in the United States when he laid plans for the
Philadelphia Museum of Art. The first African-American graduate of the
University of Pennsylvania School of Architecture, Abele also designed
the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Known as the “Black Capital of Anti-Slavery” in the 1800s,
Philadelphia was a hub for groups such as the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery
Society and the Pennsylvania Underground Railroad, whose president
and leaders resided in the city.
W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Philadelphia Negro serves as sociological
survey of the African-Americans living in the city’s Seventh Ward. The
mural Mapping Courage,painted on the firehouse at 601 South Street,
memorializes Du Bois’ book, the Seventh Ward and the local Engine #11
fire station, which was founded in 1871 and served as the city’s
unofficial African-American firehouse until the fire department
desegregated in 1952.
Established in 1884, The Philadelphia Tribune holds the distinction
as the country’s oldest daily newspaper serving the African-American
community. phillytrib.com
With 13,000 titles and 1,000 graphics and illustrations, The Library
Company of Philadelphia’s African Americana Collection contains one
of the most comprehensive collections by and about African-Americans.
Books, pamphlets, newspapers and periodicals ranging from the
mid-16th to early 20th centuries provide in-depth documentation of
African-American life in the country over the course of 400 years. 1314
Locust Street, (215) 546-3181, librarycompany.org
Albert C. Barnes possessed foresight as one of the first people in
America to consider African objects as art. The pieces he collected
between 1922 and 1924 became a central theme in the collection at the
Barnes Foundation, and he displayed the pieces along with works by
Renoir and Cézanne. A man known for his belief in social justice through
education, he was both interested and involved in the Harlem
Renaissance. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200,
barnesfoundation.org
Visitphilly.com is the official visitor website for Philadelphia travel
and tourism information including hotels, restaurants, events, things to
do, history, museums, nightlife, shopping, attractions and more.
Saturday, December 7, 2019
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
4 Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® PRESIDENT AND CEO ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE
LEADERSHIP TEAM

Cindy Ray Michael Newmuis Neil Frauenglass Rachel Ferguson, James Zale Jim Werner
Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia
A mix of organizational veterans and new staff, the team is diverse, office; Cindy Ray, chief financial officer; Jim Werner,
respected and experienced chief tourism officer; James Zale, chief digital officer.
Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®, “VISIT PHILADELPHIA is home to many of the
announced the formation of an executive leadership team to lead the best tourism marketers in the country. I’m proud that
tourism marketing organization. Under the guidance of Guaracino, who our executive leadership team is made up of a diverse
took the helm of VISIT PHILADELPHIA in October 2018, the team group of professionals with Philadelphia ties, national
includes a chief marketing officer (a new position for the company), a reputations for excellence and varied backgrounds and
chief financial officer and four other promoted VISIT PHILADELPHIA experiences,” said Guaracino. “As our company and
Jeff Guaracino
employees who are all experts in their disciplines. The group’s charge is industry evolve in these ever-changing times, the Board
to position the region for future growth in leisure tourism. and I are confident that this strong team will collaborate to help our
The Executive Leadership Team. The team is made up of: Rachel company achieve and excel at our mission of boosting the region’s image
Ferguson, chief innovation and global diversity officer; Neil Frauenglass, and making it an increasingly popular destination for generations of
chief marketing officer; Michael Newmuis, chief of staff, president’s travelers.” visitphilly.com
photo by Heshimu Jaramogi

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity’s national convention set for the City of Brotherly Love
and Sisterly Affection
Philadelphia alumni to host 84th Grand Chapter Meeting 1995. The five-day series of meetings and social activities is expected to
July 30- August 4, 2019 infuse millions of dollars into the local economy and leave a legacy of
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. will welcome more than 10,000 community good. “It’s the basis for our theme, Kappa – Great Men
members, their families and associates for the organization’s 84th Grand Achieving Great Things,” said the fraternity’s international president
Chapter Meeting (conclave) on July 30 – August 4, 2019 in Philadelphia. (grand polemarch) Thomas L. Battles, Jr. “We aim to leave a significant
conclave.kappaalphapsi.org/ and indelible mark on Philadelphia through public service initiatives
Philadelphia lastly served as the biennial conclave’s host venue in from now through the conclave and long afterward.”
 Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018 5

Earl Harvey,
Publisher
P.O. Box 44303
The Black Professionals News Phone
267-244-3860
(BPN)
Philadelphia, PA Advertising • Marketing • Special Events earl@earlharvey.com
19144 www.earlharvey.com
6 Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018
BLACK-OWNED SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, DAY SPAS IN PHILADELPHIA
Visitors To Philly Can Support Independent, Brick-And-Mortar African
American Businesses. The Sable Collective, Amalgam Comics &
Coffeehouse are just two of many shops owned and operated by African
Americans in Philadelphia
Shops, restaurants, galleries and bars owned and operated by African
Americans are abundant in Philadelphia. Among Philly’s
destination-worthy black-owned businesses: high-end lingerie boutique
Coeur, nerdy-cool hangout Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, healthful
juice and açai bowls bar Stripp’d Juice, top-shelf nightclub Reserve and
West Philadelphia’s inimitable arts space, the Tiberino Museum.
Here’s a traveler-tailored list of some of the city’s standout
black-owned businesses.
Shops:
Amazulu Collections – Charita Powell, owner. Seven days a week
and for more than 25 years, this popular Reading Terminal Market stand
has represented artists from all over the world and lived the motto,
“where cultures meet.” For sale: handmade folk dolls, original paintings,
body care, cultural clothing and sterling silver jewelry designed by
Powell and made by Indonesian artisans. Her newer South Philly venture,
Amazulu Living Room, is a gallery-boutique (with a natural hair salon in
back) known for hosting special events. Collections, 12th & Filbert
Streets, (215) 627-8667; Living Room, 1529 Reed Street,
(215) 207-7986, amazulucollections.com
Charlie’s Jeans – Sebastian McCall, owner. This Old City spot is the
city’s absolute go-to for fitting its customers in the perfect pair of jeans.
Slim, distressed, dark, flare, pencil, straight, bootcut, styles for work or
for play are all on the menu. Topping it are the store’s exclusive brand,
Sebasitan McCall, named for its owner. 233 Market Street,
(215) 923-9681,charliesjeans.net
Coeur – Mona Lisa Jackson, owner. Petite Ms. Jackson is not being
nasty when she sizes up her guests—and gently informs them their bras
don’t quite fit. The longtime owner of this exclusive, walk-up
Rittenhouse Square lingerie shop is known for her no-nonsense ability to
fit figures of all shapes and sizes in investment-worthy Chantelle,
Aubade, Chantal Thomass, Janira, Falke, La Perla and more. 132 S. 17th
Street, (215) 972-0373, coeurlingerie.com.
Cultured Couture Vintage – Erik Honesty, owner. Now in its sixth
year, this bastion of quality style on the edge of Kensington is best
known for its stock of designer vintage menswear. In-the-know clients
find well-priced Hermes scarves, ties, coats and shirts, Louis Vuitton and
Gucci luggage, plus select women’s pieces. The destination-worthy
boutique also hosts art shows and panel discussions. 703 W. Girard
Avenue, culturedcouturegallery.com
De’Vilage – Owner, Nikki Parks. Natural stone and wooden jewelry,
Shea butter, natural soaps and body washes come from Kenya, Ghana
and Nigeria to this standout Reading Terminal Market veteran. 12th &
Filbert Streets, (215) 923-9860, readingterminalmarket.org
Philadelphia Diamond Company – Kenyatta Black, owner. Visitors
and locals can create custom engagement rings and wedding bands at this
much-respected jeweler, located in the heart of the Historic District, just
steps from the Liberty Bell. 111 Independence Hall East, (215) 987-1901,
philadelphiadiamondco.com
The Sable Collective (TSC) – Shanti Mayers, Celeste Bryant and
Syreeta Scott, owners. More than a shop, this North Philly spot is a
resource for women of color. The warm, chic storefront sells holistic
body care, new and used books, Ankara-print socks, eclectic housewares,
affirmation flag pennants (“I Am Brave” and “I Am Magic”), South
African jewelry and Cuban leather bags. TSC also holds book clubs and
yoga workshops—and serves as the hangout for clients from
next-door-neighbor Duafe Holistic Hair Care, which belongs to Syreeta
Scott, stylist to Jill Scott, Ava DuVernay, Questlove, Janet Jackson and
others. 3133 N. 22nd Street, thesablecollective.com
Spas/Beauty:
3rd Element Spa – Tomika Branch and Chyvonne Shackelford,
owners. Sisters make the best small business partners. This nail specialist
and esthetician established their busy, full-service day spa in the West
Oak Lane community where they grew up. Popular here: Oxygen facials,
gel manicures, detox pedicures, plush waxing, lash and brow
enhancements, massages and
3rd Element lip balm and body butter and wash. 7175 Ogontz
Avenue, (215) 276-2633, @3rdelementspa
About Phace – Ursula Augustine, owner. This by-appointment-only
spot belongs to an industry vet whose 25-plus years in the business
include stints with Bobbi Brown, Francois Nars, Aveda and Jeanine
Lobell of Stila. Devoted clients swear by her lash lifts, Sensei Peel,
sugaring—but especially her note-perfect makeup applications. 1700
Sansom Street, (215) 557-1562, aboutphace201.com
Body Cycle Studio – Russell Carter, owner. The founder of one of
the city’s preeminent indoor cycling studios first came to Philly on a
football scholarship at Temple University. Today, Carter and his team of a
dozen instructors put exercisers through fast-paced yet accessible
interval-style training in mostly 45-minute to hour-and-a-half-long
classes. 1923 Chestnut Street, (215) 563-3663, bodycyclestudio.com
HolNest – Shannan Reese, owner. This co-op of licensed bodywork
therapists offers holistic relaxation and rejuvenation inside a private
fitness center in the busiest part of Center City. Reasonably priced
Swedish, deep tissue, sports and hot stone massages are the specialty
here, and an aromatherapist and esthetician are available too—for those
who book ahead. 1835 Market Street, 2nd Floor, (215) 668-5403,
holnestcoop.com
BoConcept Philadelphia is the ultimate destination for modern and
contemporary furniture. Stop by today to meet our skilled design
consultants who will introduce you to our collection of Danish design
furnishings and accessories and help you decorate the home of your
dreams! 1719 Chestnut St (215) 564-5656. boconcept-pa.com
Cafes/Hangouts:
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse – Ariell R. Johnson, owner. The
first African American woman on the East Coast to own a comic book
shop has created a venue along rising Frankford Avenue that’s
welcoming to all. Amalgam stocks Marvel, DC, big-time and
self-published books for grown-ups, kids and everyone in-between and
serves up coffee drinks and locally made pastries, including
comic-book-hero-themed cupcakes. 2578 Frankford Avenue,
(215) 472-3300, @amalgamphilly
Atomic City Comics – Darryl Jones, owner. Classic comic book
store known for dollar comics, manga, back issues, horror, sci-fi and
old-school Arcade games such as Street Fighter has been a South Street
mainstay. 638 South Street, (215) 625-9613 @atomiccitycomics
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books the go-to book store in Northwest
Philly. Owned by Marc Lamont Hill,(CNN commentator and Temple
professor) it is one of less than 100 black-owned book stores in the U.S.
5445 Germantown Ave 215 403-7058 unclebobbies.com
Rose Petals Cafe & Lounge – Jania and Desmin Daniels, owners.
Rose petals- and whipped cream-topped strawberry waffles? Yes, please,
in this cozy Germantown refuge, serving breakfast and lunch six days a
week. Other reasons to trek to Northwest Philly include free Wi-Fi, a
child-centered entertainment room, croque monsieurs, salads and tropical
smoothies. 322 W. Chelten Avenue, (267) 388-1150, rosepetalscafe.com
Stripp’d Juice – Khoran Horn, owner. At Old City’s cold-press
juicery, everyone seems to have a fave: Jala At Ya Boy, Woodermelon,
Wise Pine—all made from ingredients from local farms and purveyors.
But the handsome, historic spot doesn’t stop there: It’s also known for
making an outstanding açai and matcha bowls, brioche egg sandwiches,
chipotle guac toast and nut milks. 263 N. 3rd Street, (267) 550-7877,
strippdjuice.com
Bakeries:
Denise’s Bakery – Denise Gause, owner. After a fire closed her
25-year-old North Philly homage to sugar, eggs and flour, she did what
any strong baker would do: She rebuilt it. Today, lines once again form
out the door and the phone rings off the hook for Denise’s pound cake,
pies, brownies, doughnuts, cookies and wedding cakes. 2916 N. 22nd
Street, (215) 225-5425, cakesbydenises.com/denises
Sweet Nectar Dessert Kitchen – Robin Broughton-Smith, owner.
She’s gone from Jay-Z’s accountant to the creator of sticky buns, ginger
cookies, carrot cakes, baked doughnuts, plus all manner of seasonal
cupcakes and custom cakes in the Art Museum neighborhood. The shop
also offers classes, demos and meetups. 547 N. 20th Street,
(267) 318-7143, sweetnectardk.com
Sweet Nina’s Banana Pudding in Reading Terminal 12th and Arch
across from the Down Home Diner. Open Wed- Sat 215-805-8757
Restaurants:
Haute Restaurant and Lounge 1420 Locust Street is an upscale
restaurant located inside the Academy House next door to the legendary
Academy of Music in the heart of center city, we invite you to experience
a culinary adventure in a relaxed atmosphere of unparalleled refined
service. www.hauteloungephilly.com
48th Street Grille – Carl Lewis, Sr., owner. Customers with a taste
for the perfect combo of soul, Caribbean and American cuisines—at low
prices—meet up to chow down at this beloved destination. Hearty
portions of blackened wings, jerk turkey with stuffing, baby back ribs
and more are worth the trip to West Philly. 310 S. 48th Street,
(267) 244-4764, 48thstreetgrille.com

Aksum Cafe – Saba Tedla, owner. This Mediterranean—North African,
European, Middle Eastern—bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot is
known along the up-and-coming Baltimore Avenue corridor for its veg-
etable tajines, Lebanese lemon chicken and shrimp, Greek lamb chops
and tapas. 4630 Baltimore Avenue, (267) 275-8195, aksumcafe.com
Dos Tacos – Sylva Senat, owner. When current-season “Top Chef”
contestant Senat temporarily left Philly for Savannah, Georgia, he at least
left the city with five-chili pastrami, queso- and chipotle-cream-topped
yucca fries, and the most loaded nachos ever. Visit us at 120 S. 15th
Street, Call us at (215) 567-8226, dostacosphilly.com. Senat also owns
Maison 208, serving new American French fare at 208 S. 13th.
(215) 999-1020. maison208.com
Herban Eats – Kalefe Wright and Amir Fardshisheh, owners. A pair
of Wharton School grads got in early and went all Philly on the
good-for-you fast-casual food trend. On their University City spot’s
locavore menu, lean proteins, unrefined carbs, vitamins and minerals go
into wild-caught bluefish, grilled steak, jerk chicken and “vegan jawn,”
served over red rice or quinoa. Regulars swear by the coconut
oil-touched sweet potato mash, hibiscus ginger tea, Herban hot sauce
and, yes, healthy cheesesteak. 3601 Market Street, (215) 386-5000,
herbanqualityeats.com
Jamaican Jerk Hut – Lisa Wilson, owner. One of the city’s favorite
casual BYOBs has been serving up famous jerk chicken, oxtail, curry
shrimp with sides of roti, cornbread and johnny cakes since 1994. The
spot is especially popular in summer, when diners can sit on a veranda
out back—and bring rum to mix with homemade juices and ginger beer.
1436 South Street, (215) 545-8644, jajerkhut.com
Keven Parker Soul Food Cafe – Owner, Keven Parker. Fried
chicken, extra-cheesy macaroni and cheese, caramelized candied yams,
collard greens and other feel-good, homestyle Southern fare doesn’t get
any more convenient than this simmering stall in the historic Reading
Terminal Market. Parker’s sit-down spot, complete with a stylish lounge,
is a few blocks South, the much-loved Ms. Tootsie’s. Soul Food Café,
12th & Arch Streets, (215) 625-0650; Ms. Tootsie’s, 1312 South Street,
(215) 731-9045, kevenparker.net
Relish, South Kitchen & Jazz Bar & Warmdaddy’s – Robert and
Benjamin Bynum, owners. Two prolific brothers own three hopping
venues. West Oak Lane’s Relish offers modern Southern cuisine, live
jazz Thursday through Saturday and a 40-foot brunch buffet on Saturday
and Sunday. South dishes up Lowcountry fare, old-fashioned hospitality,
live jazz Warmdaddy’s is the spot for New Orleans jazz, acoustic soul
and the food to go with it. Relish, 7152 Ogontz Avenue, (215) 276-0170,
relishphiladelphia.com; South, 600 N. Broad Street, (215) 600-0220,
southrestaurant.net; Warmdaddy’s, Riverview Plaza, 1400 S. Columbus
Boulevard, (215) 462-2000, warmdaddys.com
Nile Cafe is among the best vegan places in Philly. Real soul food,
served in decent portions. 6008 Germantown Ave (215) 843-6453
Donald Ducky Birts welcomes Kappa Alpha Psi National Convention
Ducky and
Dr. Sullivan
In Memory of my Friend and Mentor Dr. Leon Sullivan
Laurel Wreath Awardee
Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018 7
Youma – Youma Ba, owner. The African cuisine scene is especially
rich in West Philly. One notable newcomer is this Senegalese spot, whose
Fulani owner brings a taste of Dakar with dibi (grilled lambchops), yassa
(spicy grilled chicken with habanero and green pepper), fatata (beef
patties), aloco (fried plantains), thieboudienne (fried rice with vegetables
and fish) and ginger juice blended with mango, strawberry, grenadine or
peach. 4519 Baltimore Avenue, (215) 386-2025, youmarestaurant.com
Art Galleries:
The Bazemore Gallery – Lenny Bazemore, owner. A heavyweight in
the local art scene laid out his Manayunk gallery to conform to the
principles of Feng Shui, then invited in artists such as Susan Beard,
Stephen Bruce, James Brantley and John Stango to add life. 4339 Main
Street, (215) 482-1119, thebazemoregallery.com
October Gallery – Mercer Redcross, owner. “African American art
is good for everyone” is the motto of this circa-1985 vast repository of
mostly contemporary black art. This elder statesman of creativity has
shared its mission from its Germantown flagships through kiosks and
shows across town, long before pop-ups were cool. 6353 Greene Street,
(215) 352-3114, octobergallery.com
Rush Arts Philly (RAP) – Danny Simmons, owner. After the elder
brother of the Reverend Run and Russell Simmons relocated to Philly, he
established an outpost of his famed art gallery and community space at
the very top of Broad Street. RAP for short opened with the acclaimed
show Guerillas In The Midst, and continues to put on top-notch shows.
4954 Old York Road, rushartsphilly.org
Tiberino Museum – Ellen, Raphael and Gabriel Tiberino, owners.
Known as “the West Philly Wyeths.” 3819 Hamilton Street,
(215) 386-3784, facebook.com/TiberinoMuseum
Clubs/Lounges:
Reef – Mike Clark, owner. Seven nights a week, this Queen Village
spot turns out Philly-touched Jamaican fare—pepper shrimp, fried
plantains and jerk chicken cheesesteaks. But it’s the upstairs lounge,
where DJs spin hip hop, R&B and top 40 on Fridays and island rhythms
on Saturdays, that patrons have loved longest. 605 S. 3rd Street,
(215) 629-0102, phillyreef.com
Reserve Lounge – Mike Clark, owner. Center City’s Reserve gives
cocktail enthusiasts eight hours a week (10 p.m.-2 a.m., Friday and
Saturday) and just enough elbow room to see and be seen, sip and dance.
About that sipping: Bubbly, Hennessy, shots and such. 724 Arch Street,
(267) 482-0724, reservelounge.com
Girls’ Auto Clinic Repair Center – Patrice Banks, owner. Engineer
turned mechanic (and author of Girls Auto Clinic Glovebox Guide) has
established the city’s first and only women-run garage and has plans to
debut an adjacent beauty bar featuring stations for blow-outs and nail
services. 7425 W. Chester Pike, Upper Darby, (484) 461-4693,
facebook.com/GirlsAutoClinic
267-244-3860
8 Black Professionals News • August 2, 2018

The African American Museum 701 Arch

Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 574-0380
aampmuseum.org. The Museum is located in
the City's Historic District at the corner of 7th
& Arch Streets, one block fromIndependence
National Historic Park and a short walk from
the Pennsylvania Convention Center.