Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets

The Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets (SPPAAA), a 501C3 organization, will act to increase awareness and advocate to preserve Philadelphia African American history as represented by historic and culturally significant assets (properties, murals, monuments, placards, cemeteries, and archeological sites).

Help out when you can and be an advocate.

All Donations Are Processed Securely by PAYPAL.  You can select a specific project or general support.  Thank you!

Explore Black Philly Sites, Sankofa Pass & More                                Visit Our Bookshop Here

OUR CURRENT INITIATIVES

The SPPAAA Heritage Database, helps us all monitor the condition, assist the owners with resources to prioritize their care and maintenance and identify their eligibility for potential designations or recognitions. 

Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility.

 The lack of awareness is a challenge that our organization will work to address, but an added threat is the potential loss by demolition that is increasing due to gentrification in many parts of the city. Demolition of our sites is largely due to a lack of awareness or care about the significance of the property that is being erased from view. 

We Need You For Two New Projects

Black History Is Everywhere

5 Volunteers Wanted for Each Project and Receive A Stipend for a few hours work – Feb/Mar

  • Dive Into the Northwest – research a NW Philly property then work as a team to create a closing program (tour, exhibit, event, etc.)

    • Create A Snappy Newspaper – research a North Philly property and create an interesting news article, snappy headlines, or creative advertising.  Learn rubber stamping. Ends with an actual Mock newspaper publication.  

  • Give us a call at 215-844-4200.

Byberry Township African American Burial Ground
The Land Blessing for the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground was a wonderful and solemn occasion.  Thanks to Hannah Wallace, our consultant for this last year of interpretative activities that led to this blessing.  Thank you, Dr. Ifetayo Flannery for the land acknowledgement, Christopher K. P. Brown for the thoughtful poem, Paul Steinke - Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia for the acknowledgments, thanks Karen Smith for providing the atmosphere and thanks to everyone that came.

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Our Focus Areas

Oversight - Asset Identification

Identify historic and culturally significant real estate assets. Maintain a list of these over 500 historically significant properties .

Advocacy

Advocate to preserve our properties

Operations

Seek solutions and resources that provide funding for maintenance or sustainment. Monitor the historic designations: (e.g. historic markers, murals, historic commission designations, etc.) City, State and National.

Education & Awareness

Act to ensure representation of our history. Increase awareness through promotion, educational programs and events.

SPPAAA Happenings

Here’s the latest news, Blogs or upcoming events

You can help the cause. Be a Volunteer or a Member.
Here's How & Why

Informative - Maintain Awareness

As a volunteer or member, you can help us stay on top of things and learn in the process

Educational Programs & Events

Workshops, newsletters and more

Discounts on Products & Events

Member benefits vary by level. Please join us.

contact us

Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets (SPPAAA)

6353 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Ph: 215-844-4200

Email: preserveus@sppaaa.org 

Facebook: facebook.com/sppaaa