by Spotlight PA Staff
Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services
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In the early 20th century, a bustling community of predominantly Black-owned businesses, churches, schools, and residences was nestled between Harrisburg’s North and Forster Streets.
Known as Pennsylvania’s Black Wall Street, this area provided welcoming service and familiar faces to Black residents, leaders, and artists during a time of segregation. By the mid-1900s, however, the area was gone, replaced with what is now the Capitol Complex and other urban developments.
Today, Black-owned businesses remain in the city but are more scattered.
On Thursday, March 7, from 6-7 p.m. ET on Zoom, join Spotlight PA for a free panel on the history of Harrisburg’s Black Wall Street and the people hoping to preserve its legacy and ensure a future for Black-owned businesses.
Our panelists include:
- Tanisha Thomas, newsletter writer, Spotlight PA
- Dimitra Diggs, owner, Urban Snob
- Sharia Benn, artistic director, Sankofa African American Theater Company
- Calobe Jackson Jr., local historian, Harrisburg
RSVP for free here. Submit your questions in advance to [email protected].
» Spotlight PA’s events operate on a “pay-what-you-can” honor system. If you value this public-service event, pay it forward and contribute any amount to Spotlight PA now so we can keep our programming free for everyone: spotlightpa.org/donate.
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