By Alexandria Stephens
Germantown Friends School

Stroll along the vibrant sidewalks of South Street, and you’re treading in the footsteps of a resilience that echoes through time. Each corner reverberates with the lived experiences of triumphs and tribulations, woven into the fabric of South Street’s rich history.

From its genesis as the strongly beating heart of Philadelphia’s earliest Black community to a reinvigorated strip bursting with the creativity of artists and punks, South Street has always been a haven where generations of Black youth found solace and kinship. It’s where the seeds of Civil Rights activism were sown, championed by visionaries like Octavius Catto, assassinated on South Street in 1871 during the city’s deadliest Election Day riots. Through its storied history, South Street has weathered constant change, from thwarting proposed expressways to safeguarding its unique identity amid decades of ups and downs.

Today, South Street stands at a crossroads, facing new challenges. Businesses strive to rise from the ashes of the pandemic and the trauma of a 2022 mass shooting, which left three killed and 11 injured on South Street. Gentrification looms, casting uncertainty and triggering concerns about the quality of life for residents grappling with its effects. There’s a sense that South Street, once a beacon of “cool,” is relinquishing its luster and perceived safety in the eyes of both visitors and Philadelphia residents.

Amid the turmoil, South Street continues to be a place of diversity. It’s alive with new energy, and trendy stores that remind us of its past glory, while also providing a space for young Black entrepreneurs to thrive. Preserving South Street transcends the realm of urban development; it’s a duty to safeguard a space that represents the very essence of Black identity and culture.

But beyond preservation lies a deeper mission — a mission to ensure that South Street continues to serve as a thriving hub for future generations. 

Keesean Moore, owner of Moore Vintage Archive, a designer vintage clothing shop for women, spoke powerfully about his journey as a Black entrepreneur on South Street — and the significance of providing safe spaces for Black creatives. After some years in the corporate fashion world, Moore opened his first showroom at the historic Bok Building in South Philadelphia in 2021. Soon, he expanded his successful business onto South Street, renovating a barren storefront into a humming spot on the strip. 

Moore’s business thrives in spite of portrayals in the media that South Street is no longer a safe place to visit. While acknowledging the storied street’s challenges, Moore said such narratives detrimentally affect businesses by perpetuating a climate of fear. It only makes him more determined and resilient. 

Moore stressed the imperative of upholding the legacy of Black entrepreneurship in Philadelphia. When asked how he perpetuates South Street’s legacy for successful Black business owners, his response resonated with simplicity and power: “by existing.” 

Moore’s steadfast presence stands as a bold testament to the enduring spirit that South Street has borne for decades. He and other business owners on the block have formed a community in the face of all the challenges, he said. 

“To see people wishing you well and praying for your success is a huge thing and such an encouraging experience,” he said. 

This sentiment embodies the essence of South Street at its best — a space where creativity, connection, and community intertwine seamlessly. As a working creative himself, Moore emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and honing one’s craft. Looking ahead, he envisions establishing a space on South Street for live performances and readings, further enriching the vibrant tapestry of community engagement on the block.

His experience shows that as South Street stands at a crossroads of past and present, it remains imperative to chart a course towards a more vibrant future for the historic byway. A path that preserves the physical preservation of South Street’s landmarks, but also the intangible aspects of its cultural heritage. It must be an effort that actively upholds South Street as a historic safe haven for the Black community. It is a challenge that requires vision and foresight but also a deep reverence for the profound impact that South Street has had — and will continue to have — on the cultural melting pot of Philadelphia.