Philadelphia was the nation's first major city to outlaw slavery

The nation's first hospital opened here in 1751

About 1.2 million African American reside in this 6 million person metro area

Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in America

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program has produced over 2,500 indoor and outdoor murals. The typical mural costs $15,000 and takes 6-8 weeks to complete. 1100 students participate in the Mural Arts Program.

The first World’s Fair in America was held here in 1876

In 1800, Philadelphia was a larger economic center than New York and remained our nation's second largest economic center until 1900

The energy generated by 220,000 college students is very evident in the cultural activities, nightlife and cafes in the region

Philadelphia is ranked safest of the nation’s 12 largest cities

These notable African-Americans were either born here, first made their mark here or settled here:

Rev. Richard Allen
Founded the mother AME church

Rev. Absalom Jones
Co-founded early Black churches

James Forten
Philly's first rich Brother

Marian Anderson
Acclaimed contralto singer

Bill Cosby
Actor, comedian, philanthropist, author

Pearl Bailey
Famous singer, stage & movie actor

Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff
Founders of Philadelphia International Records

Roxanne Jones
1st African American state senator in Pennsylvania

Sonia Sanchez
Poet, women’s rights activist & teacher

Marvin Harrison
All-pro football player

Rev. Leon Sullivan
Founder of the OIC & human rights activist

Joe Frazier
Heavyweight Boxing champ in the 1970s

Patti LaBelle
Singer, actress, chef and author

John Coltrane
One of the two most influential Jazz saxophonists ever

Teddy Pendergrass
R&B vocalist

Jill Scott
Neo-Soul singer and composer

Will Smith
Rap, TV and Movie star

Wilt Chamberlain
Arguably, the greatest pro basketball center

Julius Erving
Pro Basketball forward legend

Grover Washington, Jr.
Jazz saxophonist

Paul Robeson
Actor, Singer, Orator, Human Rights Activist