Making a Homeplace: The Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore

Episode 3: Growing Up Black in HBNS: A Child’s Perspective (School, Play, Love)

Welcome to episode 3, Growing up Black in Swarthmore a Child’s Perspective: School, Play, Love. In episode three, HBN family and community members talk about shared intergenerational experiences that shaped and defined us as children such as, family by choice, making a friend / keeping a friend, beatins, and school. What are the stories, practices, […]

Episode 2: Wesley AME Church: Strategies for Thriving, The Role of the Black Church

For 130+ years, the Historically Black Neighborhood of Swarthmore’s community members strategically pulled together within the larger white Borough. Folks brought along religious beliefs & practices rooted in traditions of the African Methodist Episcopalian (AME) Church. In 1921, a fledgling congregation worshiped in Jones Hall at 246 Bowdoin Ave. They then bought land at 232 […]

Episode 1: The Great Migration & The Rise of Black Neighborhoods

Greetings Friends, I’m Jeannine Osayande from the historically Black neighborhood of Swarthmore with family members seven generations strong. Have you ever heard of a Historically Black Neighborhood? Do you know how HBN’s were established? Did you grow up in a town with a Historically Black Neighborhood and didn’t know it? Welp, grab a hot cup […]