Documentary highlights America’s founding from the perspective of Black Philadelphians.
A new documentary titled “Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story” offers an in-depth exploration of America’s inception through the experiences of Black Philadelphians. Unlike conventional narratives that begin in grand venues, this film traces its roots back to a grim reality aboard an English slave ship bound for Pennsylvania. It delves into the bustling slave auctions that once characterized the cobblestones outside the Old London Coffee House, while American revolutionaries plotted inside. Moreover, it highlights the profound sacrifices of countless Black Philadelphians during the Yellow Fever epidemic, who selflessly nursed the afflicted and buried the dead, thereby affirming their value to a predominantly white society.
Streaming now on PBS.org, the documentary reframes the narrative of Philadelphia’s role in the founding of America, centering primarily on the unsung stories of Black individuals who played pivotal roles both socially and politically. Executive producer Oliver St. Clair Franklin emphasizes that the documentary is fundamentally about people whose stories have historically been marginalized, contributing to a more diverse understanding of Philadelphia’s history.
The film provides a comprehensive portrayal of the lives of lesser-known activists and artisans who significantly influenced the formation of the nation. Figures such as Anthony Benezet, who established the African Free School in his Chestnut Street home during 1770, and Cyrus Bustill, a revolutionary-era baker and brewer who helped found the Philadelphia Free African Society, are featured prominently. Additionally, it recounts the soaring aspirations and contributions of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, both of whom rose from the shackles of slavery to become influential abolitionists and civil rights leaders.
Franklin, an esteemed scholar and former chief arts and cultural official for Philadelphia, aims to create a link between African Americans and America’s founding era. He expresses that this film could not have been made 50 years ago, given the limited scholarly research available at that time. Today, the historical narrative is rich with research, facilitating a cohesive and compelling human story that resonates with a broad audience.
Produced in collaboration with Bear House Media, a UK-based television production company, the documentary paints a vivid picture of colonial Philadelphia as a culturally diverse hub—a melting pot where different ideas, identities, and cultures coalesced. It portrays a community of free Black individuals who were actively engaged in the struggle for freedom, not only for themselves but also in pursuit of a collective American liberty.
This cinematic effort invites viewers to reconsider and appreciate the complexities of Philadelphia’s past, showcasing how ordinary individuals—both free and enslaved, Native and immigrant—contributed to extraordinary advancements in the quest for freedom. Franklin’s narrative focuses on the lesser-known personal stories and experiences of individuals, illuminating their dreams and challenges at a grassroots level.
Overall, “Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story” serves as a vital reminder of the multitude of voices that have shaped the American story, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in understanding history.
