All That Philly Jazz
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A place-based public history project at the intersection of art, public policy and cultural heritage preservation. Drawing on archival materials and oral histories, we contextualize the social history of jazz. We dig in the archives to uncover hidden and forgotten stories.
All That Philly Jazz
4d ago
Jimmy Carter has joined the ancestors at age 100. Former President Carter was a humanitarian, and a tireless champion of democracy and human rights. The late president will be honored with a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden declared a National Day of Mourning: I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
1M ago
I was a consultant on a project in Egypt in the 1990s. As I walked around Cairo, I was struck that Egyptians look like “high yellow” Africans. I later read that when Frederick Douglass visited Egypt in 1887, he observed, “The great mass of the people I have yet seen would in America be classified ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
1M ago
The Apollo Theater turned 90 this year. Opened in 1914 as a burlesque house, by 1934 the theater was transformed into a venue primarily for African American performers and audiences. A stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, the now historic landmark was the place “where stars are born and legends are made.” Legends like Billie Holiday ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
1M ago
This has been a banner year for Lee Morgan. From listing of “The Sidewinder” in the National Recording Registry, dedication of his historical marker, publication of my essay about his masterpiece by the Library of Congress, and federal, state and city citations, Lee is finally getting the recognition he deserves. There are more accolades to ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
2M ago
During the Cold War, racial segregation was the law and practice in much of the country. With the backdrop of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the U.S. Department of State launched the Jazz Ambassadors program, a cultural diplomacy initiative to promote American values abroad through music. The program began in 1956 and was part of a ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
2M ago
With Donald Trump’s reelection, we must use our imagination and keep on keeping on. Let’s make the best of a bad situation. To rub salt into wounds, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday falls on the same day as Trump’s inauguration. The struggle continues ..read more
All That Philly Jazz
2M ago
Campaign ads have saturated the airwaves, social media, email and text messages for months. But you – the voter – will have the last word. More than half of registered voters have already cast their ballot, according to Gallup. If you have waited until Election Day, it’s time to put a vote on it. If ..read more