Patti LaBelle Stars in Local Black History Month Campaign
A new Black History Month campaign, “We Are the Fabric. We Are the Thread,” has launched as a partnership between Patti LaBelle and Visit Philadelphia. The campaign presents the message…
A new Black History Month campaign, “We Are the Fabric. We Are the Thread,” has launched as a partnership between Patti LaBelle and Visit Philadelphia. The campaign presents the message that Black history is American history and highlights Black contributions to art, culture, food, innovation, music, and literature.
The GRAMMY-winning “Godmother of Soul” narrates 30- and 70-second videos that explore the impact of Philadelphia's Black historic landmarks through her journeys to places where this history survives. The video productions are the latest installment in Visit Philadelphia's “Indivisible” campaign. This year-round effort is designed to tell the stories of diverse Philadelphia communities that remain an integral part of the American cultural and historical narrative.
“I'm honored to work with Visit Philadelphia on this deeply meaningful campaign,” said LaBelle in a media statement. “Philadelphia is home, and the history here holds a special place in my heart. Making sure these stories are told, especially at a time when they need to be heard and remembered more than ever, truly matters to me.”
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According to Visit Philadelphia, the videos reveal LaBelle walking past historic sites, including Mother Bethel AME Church, the longest Black-owned piece of land in the United States, and the Octavius V. Catto Memorial. LaBelle's narration also honors Philadelphia's musical heritage, spotlighting images of Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Teddy Pendergrass from the legendary Philadelphia Sound. LaBelle also acknowledges acclaimed contralto Marian Anderson, who started her career singing in the choir at Union Baptist Church in South Philadelphia.
Visit Philadelphia also announced it has partnered with 1838 Black Metropolis and The Black Journey to offer free guided walking tours throughout February:
- 1838 Black Metropolis 101 is an introductory walking tour detailing Philadelphia's early free Black community. During the tour, visitors will encounter historic sites, institutions, and stories that shaped Black life in the city before the Civil War. | Feb. 14 and Feb. 21 at 11 a.m.
- The Seventh Ward Tour offers a guided exploration of Philadelphia's historic Seventh Ward. Once the center of Black cultural, civic, and political life, the Seventh Ward is home to many of the city's venerable Black leaders and institutions. | Feb. 28 and March 7 at 11 a.m.
Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required. For tour descriptions and registration information, go to the Visit Philadelphia website.
