Help preserve and improve accessibility to the rich, historical holdings found in the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, as well as grow the collection. Donate to the collection endowment today. This fund will ensure that these materials remain accessible for current and future generations of students, scholars and the community.

The Pennsylvania Slave Trade

Enslaved African people who survived the brutal “Middle Passage” – voyage from Africa to the Caribbean Islands and the Americas – de-embarked on the Delaware River Waterfront as early as 1639 by the Dutch and Swedes.  Quaker William Penn, and other Philadelphia merchants purchased and enslaved African men, women and children upon their arrival.  As the institution of slavery increased, these courageous African people persevered and performed integral roles in the building of Pennsylvania and our nation.

Charles L. Blockson, Curator Emeritus and Founder of the Charles L. Blockson Afro- American Collection at Temple University, researched and submitted application for the State Historical Marker, approved by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and paid for by Mr. Blockson in the amount of $1,625.00