Over the years, here and there, I’d hear stories about Christian Street in South Philadelphia, particularly from the 1500 block down to the 2000 block–it was said that a large number of prominent Blacks lived there from the 1900s on. Some of those well-to-do Blacks were doctors. It has been said that Christian Street had more Black doctors living within a 10-block radius than in any other part of Philadelphia. On Friday, June 21, 2024, thanks to Philadelphia Coty Council President Kenyatta Johnson, the fact that these Black doctors lived and worked on Christian Street and made their mark in history there will be officially dedicated and written in history with a street renaming ceremony. As of June 21, 2024, the 1500 block of Christian Street has been renamed Black Doctors Row.
The Philadelphia Historical Commission voted unanimously a little over two years ago to create the Christian Street/Black Doctors Row Historic District. Very important to note that the historical designation is a protection over properties in the area against demolition. Due to several demolition projects in the area in 2019 and into 2020, that’s what spurred residents to come together to fight for historic designation. It’s been groups such as the South of South Neighborhood Association, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, and the Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets that really set off the fight for the historic district designation.
Dr. Linda Evans, a South Christian Street homeowner and resident, has been very active in her community, helping to spread the word and educate others about Black Doctors Row. “I live in the 1600 block of South Christian Street. I live two doors down from where the founders of the Jack and Jill organization lived. I also live across the street from the First African Baptist Church. In the 1700 block of South Christian Street is the first Black YMCA for “colored” youth. Also, in the 1500 hundred block of Christian Street is the Julian Francis Abele house, and in the 1300 block of Christian Street is Bessie Smith’s house. I cannot leave out Reverend Charles Tindley, the founder of the historic Tindley Temple. He lived in the 2500 block of Christian Street. The focus is on Christian Street, but please, let’s not forget Tindley Temple. Let’s not forget South Street. Let’s not forget Lombard Street. I also have to give tribute to the Seventh Ward, where W.E.B. Dubois did his work–go up to 13th and Locust. The Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper reported that as the most historically African American neighborhood in the city.” Octavius Valentine Catto came out of the 7th Ward as well, a famed voting rights activist who was murdered trying to get Black people out to vote.
Dr. Evans pointed out that gentrification has been a concern for years in South Philadelphia. Thanks to organizations like the ones she talked about earlier, residents are determined to preserve the rich history of their community. Dr. Evans added, “There are some people who try to market this historically African American neighborhood of the city under another label. They want to ignore the history. It’s all about gentrification and housing stock.
In 1907, at 19th and Fitzwater Mercy Hospital, a Black Hospital was operating. There was the Frederick Douglas Memorial Hospital; it first was at 1512 Lombard Street–then it expanded over to 1532-34 Lombard Street.”
Know this. There are developers who despite the historical designation, still would like to come into the community and redefine our community as they buy up property and then change the face of the neighborhood.
Dr. Evans shared, “Over two years, we had five houses along Christian Street demolished. It hit so close to home for me. I told you I live in the 1600 block of Christian Street. Two doors from me, there was a demolition sticker that appeared. That got me involved. That got my neighbor involved and others. Until I saw that sticker, I had no idea that four other homes along Christian Street had been demolished.
Council President Johnson was credited by Dr. Evans and other South Philly residents with getting involved and showing great interest in preserving the history of Black Doctors Row and other historic areas of South Philadelphia.
Some of the elite of the time who lived along Christian Street in what is now known as Black Doctors Row included Julian Francis Abele, who was an architect. He designed over 400 buildings during his time. One of them was the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Marian Anderson, famed singer. Henry McKee Minton, physician; Bessie Smith, singer; Charles Albert Tindley, minister and songwriter; Forrest White Woodard, publisher; Kathrynn “Kitty” Fambro Woodard, publisher and Dr. John Patrick Turner, a surgeon.
On June 1, 2024, there was a community celebration for the First Historic District, Christian Street Black Doctors Row, to recognize Black History in Philadelphia. The event took place at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church.
Going forward, Dr. Evans says she hopes to see a walking tour that can spotlight and cover some of the many historic sites and locations brimming with the rich stories of our people in South Philadelphia.
And no matter what, Evans and her cohorts are determined to preserve the Black history and the black stories of South Philadelphia.
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