The Black Bottom of Philadelphia, located in West Philadelphia, emerged as a vibrant African American community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Great Migration. This period saw African Americans moving from the rural South to northern urban areas in search of better economic opportunities and to escape Jim Crow laws. By the mid-20th century, the Black Bottom had developed into a cultural hub with thriving businesses, churches, social clubs, and jazz venues, fostering a strong sense of community despite facing significant economic and social challenges, including poverty, segregation, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.

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​Historically, universities and other educational institutions have forcefully displaced nearby native communities to expand their campus size and power within their locality. This institutional expansion by colleges and universities adversely impacts predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods that receive little to no compensation from the academic institutions for the harm and loss of culture the communities have suffered through the extraction of wealth and labor. 

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The neighborhood’s trajectory dramatically changed during the urban renewal projects of the 1950s and 1960s. Targeted for redevelopment by institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, the entire Black Bottom was demolished, leading to the destruction of all the properties in the Black Bottom and the displacement of all residents.  Today, the legacy of the Black Bottom is preserved through community advocacy and cultural initiatives, including oral history projects and academic research, which aim to honor the community's history and educate future generations. Despite the extensive gentrification and changes in the area, efforts continue to commemorate the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Black Bottom's former residents.

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