North Philadelphia
North Philadelphia is the soundtrack neighborhood. New Freedom Theatre on North Broad has been producing Black theater for nearly 60 years. The corner of 10th and Huntingdon — where Will Smith grew up — is unmarked. The blocks where the story began are still there.
How to walk this neighborhood
Start at New Freedom Theatre (1346 N. Broad) — the theatrical home of Black Philadelphia. Walk west to Honeysuckle Provisions on Girard Avenue, an Afrocentric café and grocery rooted in seasonal cooking. Continue to Down North Pizza (2804 W. Lehigh) — Muhammad Abdul-Hadi's reentry-business pizza shop. End at the corner of 10th and Huntingdon. Stand there. Read the city you're standing in.
Where to go
Restaurants, historic sites, makers, music — every entry FunTimes documented in this neighborhood.
Duafe Holistic Hair Care
Named for the Adinkra symbol of beauty and love of one's nature. Locs, twists, braids, natural styling. North Philly's destination for natural hair.
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Down North Pizza
Detroit-style pizza in North Philly. Owner Muhammad Abdul-Hadi built it as a reentry business — hires people coming home from incarceration. The pizza is exceptional. The model is exceptional.
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Honeysuckle Provisions
Afrocentric café and grocery in North Philadelphia. Locally sourced, seasonally cooked, community-rooted.
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Mojo Haitian Restaurant
The neighborhood Haitian spot in North Philly. Fritay, Soup Joumou on Sundays. Pre-Odunde breakfast stop on June 14.
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New Freedom Theatre
The oldest African American theater company in the mid-Atlantic region. Producing Black theater on North Broad Street for nearly 60 years.
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The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection
More than 500,000 items spanning four centuries — one of the most significant archives of African American and African diaspora history in existence.
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