Malcolm X Park (Philadelphia)

Malcolm X Park
A view of the park from 51st St. & Larchwood Ave.
Map
TypeUrban park
LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Area6 acres (2.4 ha)
Operated byFriends of Malcolm X Park
OpenAll year
Websitehttp://malcolmxphl.org

Malcolm X Park (formerly named Black Oak Park) is an urban park in West Philadelphia named in honor of Malcolm X. It is a six-acre park located around 51st Street and Pine Street.[1] The park is known for its jazz festival during the summer.[2] Black Oak Park was founded in 1903 and fully developed by 1910. The neighborhood was mostly white until black residents started moving to the community in the early 1950's. A city ordinance was passed in 1993 to change the name of the park to Malcolm X Park.[3] Former president of Friends of Malcolm X Park, Gregorio Pac Colujun, reported the park was segregated in the 1950s and 1960's and black children were required to play in a designated corner of the park.[4] The park was somewhat blighted and plagued by drug use in the 80's. Community efforts cleaned up the park in the early 90's.[3] The park's summer jazz series started in 1998.[4]

  1. ^ "Malcolm X Park".
  2. ^ "Jazz, art undeterred by summer heat".
  3. ^ a b Williams, Mariam (June 11, 2018). "A Brief History Of Race & Contested Space In West Philly". Hidden City. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Lee, Nathaniel (June 15, 2016). "Sweet sounds now emanating from West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved August 17, 2024.