Meeting Of The Griots

Join us for an unforgettable intergenerational celebration of story and local history during the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. February 2026 marks the centennial celebration’s theme: “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Meeting of the Griots Exhibition is a free, family-friendly gathering bringing together elders, youth, artists, scholars, and community members to share stories, preserve heritage, and experience culture and connection.

Experience the power of griot tradition, where storytellers preserve the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Featured griots include community leaders sharing wisdom on health, film, arts, education, music, community outreach, Black business, and Black history.

This interactive exhibition is being hosted at the historic Sullivan Progress Plaza, the first shopping center in the United States, built, developed, continuously owned, and managed by African Americans, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.

Highlights include:

· Hear vibrant African drumming that set the rhythmic heartbeat of the event.

· Immerse yourself in hands-on creativity with family-friendly 'Broad Street Memories' Paint & Sip, a make-and-take experience that includes lunch.

· Discover the Montgomery Collection's Traveling African American Pop-Up Museum — a treasure trove of archival artifacts including vintage photographs, letters, album covers, and more that bear witness to our history.

· Griot storytelling performances, a special keynote, community tabletop exhibits, and more.

Philadelphia is keeping living Black history in Black hands, while connecting each visitor to today’s modern griots in a space for us and by us.

We honor the extraordinary legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, while creating new memories together at the social enterprise on North Broad Street, located in the Sullivan District, that he founded in 1968.

Although this event is FREE and open to all, registration is required.

RSVP today at our event page and come celebrate Black history, culture, and community

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Host or Publisher Progress Trust Inc.