Posted on 18 September 2024 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Here’s a unique opportunity to visit and learn more about some of the most interesting but often forgotten historic and cultural places along 52nd Street, aka “The Strip.” A walking tour titled West Philly’s Main Street: A Walk Through Time, will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, and is organized by All That Philly Jazz, a public project exploring the history of jazz in Philadelphia. The 52nd Street stroll and talk, led by All That Philly Jazz Director Faye Anderson, will uncover the Strip’s hidden past as an entertainment destination for African Americans.
The 52nd Street Stroll dives deep into the Strip’s social and cultural heritage. Uncovering hidden landmarks, it will revisit forgotten stories and remember the iconic figures who shaped the historic corridor.
Here are some of the stops during the stroll:
• Nightclub frequented by celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Cab Calloway, Joe Frazier, Teddy Pendergrass and Stevie Wonder.
• First-ever Walk of Fame memorializing African American artists of stage, screen and television.
• Oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast.
• Sites featured in the 1972 Blaxploitation film “Trick Baby.”
• Restaurant where President Bill Clinton ordered soul food.
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Posted on 26 April 2024 by WestPhillyLocal.com
In recognition of International Jazz Day, celebrated on April 30th, Councilmember Jamie Gauthier has introduced a resolution honoring and recognizing legendary Philadelphian jazz musician Edward “Lee” Morgan (1938-1972).
The Library of Congress recently announced that it was adding Lee Morgan’s The Sidewinder to the National Recording Registry (read more details here). On Tuesday, April 30, Lee Morgan will also be memorialized with a historical marker outside of the former Aqua Lounge at 52nd and Chancellor, the jazz club where he last performed in Philadelphia in 1971 before his tragic death at age 33 (see more details about this event below).
Morgan was born on July 10, 1938, grew up in the Tioga neighborhood, and began playing the trumpet at the age of 14. His musical development was nurtured by the Philadelphia jazz community, and his early interaction with professional musicians at the Heritage House Jazz Workshop and Music City Swing Club.
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Posted on 11 May 2023 by WestPhillyLocal.com
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Community Resource Hub was held on Wednesday.
After more than two years in development and construction, a new Community Resource Hub has opened at 277 South 52nd St. The grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by state and local officials, like State Sen. Vincent Hughes and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, was held on Wednesday. The new three-story structure replaced a dilapidated former business.
The project represents a significant milestone for The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation as the organization moves into a new phase of growth and larger strategic reinvestment plan for the historic 52nd Street commercial corridor.
The new Community Resource Hub will house offices for The Enterprise Center CDC on the first floor, extending outreach for business services along the corridor. The second and third floors will house market rate apartments, providing housing for individuals living and working along the corridor. The Enterprise Center is planning to utilize this model for more projects. Continue Reading
Posted on 13 June 2022 by WestPhillyLocal.com
The 52nd Street business corridor will get improvements ahead of Philadelphia’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival, thanks to funding received as part of Wells Fargo’s “HOPE 2.0” initiative. The $250,000 in funding, presented to The Enterprise Center today, is a continuation of Wells Fargo’s “HOPE, USA” initiative, which pledged more than $1 million in support for the 52nd Street corridor ahead of the 2021 holiday shopping season and encouraged residents to shop local in support of small businesses.
The funding will be used for continued façade improvements and enhancements along the 52nd Street commercial corridor. This includes new signage, gates and doors, power washing and graffiti removal for a number of small businesses on the 300 block, as well as sidewalk repairs. New planters will be placed along the corridor, and street banners designed by local female-owned artist collective Hagopian Arts with the phrase “Never Lose Hope” will run from Market to Larchwood Street. Continue Reading
Posted on 28 March 2022 by Mike Lyons
The Enterprise Center has received $1 million in federal funding to help support Black-owned businesses along 52nd Street.
Presented by U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans on Friday, the money is part of a “revitalization” effort along 52nd Street, which Evans called the “anchor” of West Philadelphia Black community.
“This is just a downpayment,” Evans said.
The funding comes as The Enterprise Center nears construction of a new resource center at 277 South 52nd Street, which is part of its 52nd Street Initiative that hopes to draw new businesses and spur investment along West Philadelphia’s “Main Street.” Continue Reading
Posted on 10 November 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com
Businesses along 52nd Street have had a challenging couple of years, and a new initiative launched on Tuesday to help rejuvenate this vital commercial corridor just in time for the holiday season. The Enterprise Center is teaming up with Wells Fargo on their “Hope, USA” initiative to make improvements for small businesses along 52nd Street and enhance the streetscape.
Improvement projects include painting buildings, power washing sidewalks, installing holiday lighting displays, refreshing signage, and more. On Tuesday, at least 50 volunteers and tradespeople – all minority contractors – worked together on the South 200 block of 52nd Street (see photos). They engaged in activities such as electrical work, painting, carpentry, general cleanup and power washing, construction of decorative planters, and other construction work. Continue Reading
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