For decades, Gwendolyn Ebron has been dedicated to enriching the understanding of African and African American history among Philadelphians. She has long been frustrated that mainstream textbooks often begin the African diaspora narrative only around 400 years ago.
“We start our history in the middle, [during U.S.] slavery,” Ebron remarked. “But we have more than 5,000 years of history.”
Through her work with Urban Intellectuals, Ebron educates children—and sometimes adults—about their heritage as Black Americans. She also leads a youth group in Philadelphia called the Sankofa Club, which offers immersive Black history experiences.
