Africa

West Philadelphia’s African-American Muslim heritage stretches back at least to 1949, with the establishment of the International Muslim Brotherhood. Founded by a North Carolina-born Baptist preacher who converted to Islam and, in turn, converted his entire congregation, the Brotherhood has long been a pillar for Muslims in the neighborhood. Keeping the Faith portrays the deep historical roots of the African-American Muslim community on Lancaster Avenue. It emphasizes the voices of the people who remember its beginnings and those who continue the work of preserving its legacy.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, the Aqua Lounge was Philadelphia's premier venue to hear progressive jazz. Located on 52nd Street in West Philadelphia, the venue was the hub of a vibrant local arts community drawing people from all over the region. Regular visits by Jazz artists such as Dave Burrell, Bootsie Barnes, and Wilbur Ware elevated the Aqua Lounge to legendary status among jazz lovers. While the club closed its doors around 1975 and 52nd Street's reputation as a center for the arts declined, the area has recently been experiencing a revival.

The African influence is rich at El Colobó, a garden in the Norris Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. Created by Grupo Motivos, an organization of women of Puerto Rican descent who formed a support network for the affirmation of their identity, El Colobó is the neighborhood’s first African garden. It is a place where community members gather to learn about their African heritage and celebrate the influence of African cultures in Puerto Rico and North America through art, dance, music and agriculture.