Black History on Temple University’s Campus

Temple University Main Campus is no stranger to Black history. In celebration of Black History Month, here are four spots that have particularly notable historical ties to iconic Black activists and events.

Mitten Hall: Opening in 1931 as a spot for dances and other social events, Mitten Hall hosted a John Coltrane performance in 1966. Coltrane was a famous American jazz saxophonist.

Sullivan Hall: This historic hall is home to Temple’s acclaimed Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. There are more than 500,000 artifacts in the collection.

The Baptist Temple: Now the Temple Performing Arts Center, this historic cathedral is where Temple got its start. Built in 1891 as the Baptist Temple, activists like Martin Luther King Jr. once gathered here to speak to students and the community.

Cecil B. Moore Avenue: The street that was once Columbia Avenue was renamed to honor Black activist and Philadelphian Cecil Bassett Moore in 1987. Along with advocating for civil rights, Moore also worked as a lawyer, a member of City Council and the president of the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He obtained his law degree from Temple University in 1953.

Stick with Temple Update for any news and events related to Black History Month.

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