Where can you find Benin Bronzes, a W.E.B. DuBois first edition, original drafts of Tupac Shakur’s lyrics and rare photographs of African American life in Philadelphia, all under one roof? At the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University.Founded by historian Charles Blockson and donated to Temple in 1984, the collection includes more than 700,000 unique
Charles L. Blockson has always been intrigued by history. This month, the man who is usually collecting history became part of it as he accepted the prestigious Philadelphia Award, given to local visionaries.The award, a nearly 100-year-old honor, is bestowed each year on a local citizen who acts and serves on behalf of the community’s best interests.Blockson, founder and
Charles L. Blockson, the curator emeritus of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, passed away Wednesday, June 14, at his home. He was 89. Blockson is remembered as the architect behind one of the most prestigious collections of African American artifacts in the U.S. Located inside Sullivan Hall, the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
Each June, faculty and staff from across Temple University commemorate Black history and achievement in celebration of Juneteenth. The holiday is a chance to educate the community about the struggles and progress of African Americans in this country, support Black-owned businesses and organizations, reflect on Philadelphia’s racist past, and attend community celebrations.Here