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Africatown signage unveiled in Southwest Philadelphia, marking cultural hub
ByTaRhonda Thomas
Friday, June 5, 2026
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) –A stretch of Southwest Philadelphia officially received a new identity Thursday as community members unveiled signage welcoming visitors to Africatown, a neighborhood long known for its rich African and Caribbean heritage
The installation, spanning a fence along Woodland Avenue at 60th Street, marks what organizers describe as both a celebration and a starting point for broader recognition of the area
“This is a dream come true,” said Marron Cassell of the African Cultural Alliance of North America
Community leaders say the designation reflects years of cultural presence in the neighborhood, which has become home to a vibrant population of immigrants from across Africa and the Caribbean
“I have not experienced a space that is designated to celebrate the African diaspora community. This is the beginning of it,” said Voffee Jabateh of the African Cultural Alliance of North America
For many, the new sign represents a deeper sense of belonging
“To come here and have a place like this is very unique because I feel home!” said Dr. Gaston Mbonglou, executive director of the Africatown Project
Local officials and organizers emphasized that the unveiling is only an initial step in a larger effort to promote arts, culture and economic development in the area
“This is going to be an opportunity for people from all over the world. When they come to Philadelphia, they are gonna want to come to Southwest Philly because they want to see Africatown,” said State Rep. Jordan Harris
Investment tied to city initiatives and Philadelphia 250 is already underway, with improvements including banners, bike racks and landscaping
“Our mission at Philadelphia 250 was to also make sure that those celebrations pour out into every single neighborhood of the city,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell of Philadelphia 250
The neighborhood is also preparing for an influx of visitors connected to upcoming international soccer matches, including games featuring teams from Ghana and the Ivory Coast
“I feel like this is the place!” one community member said during the event
The unveiling drew attention from local supporters and visitors alike, including Liberia native, bodybuilder and social media personality Robert Wilmot (aka “NDO Champ”)
“It’s a beautiful thing to bring other people that you know that love the culture but bring it in one place,” Wilmot said
Organizers say inclusivity is central to the vision for Africatown
“We want people to know, ‘Hey, you can also come to Southwest Philadelphia and experience the culture,” said Kou Dolo of the African Cultural Alliance
As part of the summer programming tied to international events, Africatown organizers plan to host watch parties and two festivals, including one scheduled for June 28 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Woodland Avenue site
Community leaders say the goal is to ensure that Africatown becomes a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike, while honoring the cultural traditions that have shaped the neighborhood for years
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