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Freedom Journeys: Sacred Places Series and Podcast
Every Place Has a Story.
This summer, WURD Radio invites you to discover the people, places, and powerful stories that shaped Black Philadelphia.
Hosted and produced by WURD Radio's Solomon Jones, Freedom Journeys: Sacred Places is a four-part storytelling series exploring historic locations that reveal the resilience, creativity, faith, and leadership of generations of Black Philadelphians. Through immersive storytelling and conversations with historians, preservationists, and community leaders, the series brings these remarkable places—and the people who made them significant—to life.
Listen live on WURD Radio beginning July 7, then return here to listen on demand, or follow the Freedom Journeys: Sacred Places podcast to hear every episode anytime, wherever you listen to podcasts.
Community Impact Sponsor
This series is produced in partnership with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, a Community Impact Sponsor whose commitment to preserving historic places helps ensure that Philadelphia's stories and the communities that shaped them remain visible, accessible, and meaningful for future generations.
About the Series
History lives in places — a family home. A church sanctuary. A former seminary. A forgotten burial ground.
These sites are witnesses to the people, movements, and moments that shaped Philadelphia and, in many cases, the nation.
Hosted and produced by WURD Radio's Solomon Jones, Freedom Journeys: Sacred Places explores the stories behind these historic places while highlighting the organizations and community members working to preserve them for future generations.
The series is part of Freedom Journeys, WURD Radio's multimedia initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States by sharing stories of Black Philadelphians whose lives and legacies continue to shape our city, our country, and our future.
Episode Guide
July 7 — Henry O. Tanner House
Before he became one of America's most celebrated artists, Henry Ossawa Tanner called Philadelphia home. Today, the Friends of the Tanner House — an all-volunteer group of preservation advocates — are leading the effort to restore his childhood home and ensure the legacy of Tanner, his family, and their contributions to Philadelphia are preserved for future generations.
Future Episodes
New episodes will be released July 14, August 4, and August 18.
Crozer Theological Seminary
Long before he became one of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. studied at Crozer Theological Seminary. Today, community leaders and preservation advocates are working to transform Old Main into the MLK Center at Old Main—a community space that will honor Dr. King's legacy while serving future generations through education, research, and neighborhood programming.
Black Sacred Places
Philadelphia's historic Black churches have long served as centers of faith, leadership, education, and community life. Through the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places, organizations are helping congregations preserve these historic institutions while strengthening their ability to continue serving their communities for generations to come. This episode profiles Mother Bethel AME Church, Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, and New River Presbyterian Church.
Byberry Township African American Burial Ground
Founded as a burial place for free and enslaved Black Philadelphians, the Byberry Township African American Burial Ground remained largely unmarked and unknown for generations. Connected to the legacy of abolitionist Robert Purvis and the struggle for freedom and equality in the region, the site stands as a powerful reminder of lives too often overlooked. Today, preservation partners are working to research, interpret, and protect the burial ground, ensuring that both the people laid to rest there and the history they represent are remembered for generations to come.
Community Partners
We thank our Community Partners who help connect these stories with new audiences by sharing content and encouraging greater appreciation for the people and places that define Philadelphia's rich history.
Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Coalition
Byberry Friends Meeting
Society to Preserve Philadelphia African American Assets
Partners for Sacred Places
Listen Live. Listen Anytime.
Experience each story first on WURD Radio, then return to it anytime through the Freedom Journeys: Sacred Places podcast.
As each episode premieres, this page will be updated with direct links so you can listen on demand, revisit your favorite stories, and share them with others.
Listen live on WURD Radio. Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
