Music & Culture: Philadelphia Black Music Archive Opens at Temple University

The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University in Philadelphia has unveiled a new archive focused on the historical narrative of Black musicians in the city. Dubbed the Philadelphia Black Music Archive, this initiative stems from collaboration between the university and Frank Johnson, a distinguished Temple alumnus and scholar in Black music. This extensive archive houses an array of artifacts, documents, interviews, photographs, recordings, and sheet music, all highlighting the significant cultural impacts of Black musicians in Philadelphia. At the launch event, Johnson remarked, “Research into Black music can be arduous, as much of the information is fragmented. It exists uncentralized, often residing in people's minds.” He emphasized, "We are currently facing attempts to erase African American history from public discourse. Therefore, it’s essential to honor the legacy of Black Philadelphia music now."