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West Philadelphia is and was a diverse neighborhood that until recently had an adversarial relationship with the University of Pennsylvania, mostly because of the University's past racist policies. Faculty and alumni from the University's City and Regional Planning Department recount the good, bad, and ugly aspects of the University/West Philadelphia relationship.
Explore how the University of Pennsylvania — a white institution — destroyed a Black neighborhood and how past actions continue to affect the university, its students, and its neighbors. Over the past 25 years, the University has made a conscious effort to reconnect with the surrounding neighborhood and atone for past sins. But big questions remain. Has the university done enough? If not, what more can it do? Is the university pricing out long-term residents?
This tour takes place at the tail end of a pandemic, a racial reckoning, discussions of hidden voices, and a conversation about this country's past and future. Take time to discuss how to move forward and consider lessons that other "townies and gownies" can learn and try to replicate.
Attendees walk during this workshop.
Learning Objectives:
Know the history of West Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.
Advocate for the unseen members of UPenn's community.
Understand and describe the evolution of the neighborhood outside campus.
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