Malcolm X Park (Philadelphia)
| Malcolm X Park | |
|---|---|
 A view of the park from 51st St. & Larchwood Ave. | |
Interactive map of Malcolm X Park | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Operator | Friends of Malcolm X Park |
| Open | All year |
| Website | http://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]
History
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]
Park features
Malcom X Park is 6 acres in size, and features playground equipment, a picnic pavilion, benches and tables, public restrooms.[5]
The park's jazz series, known as "Jazz Heritage Series", is held every other Thursday from May through September.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ "Malcolm X Park".
- ↑ "Jazz, art undeterred by summer heat".
- 1 2 Lee, Nathaniel (June 15, 2016). "Sweet sounds now emanating from West Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Series". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
- ↑ "Malcolm X Memorial Park". City of Philadelphia. April 10, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
- ↑ "Jazz Heritage Series continues at Malcolm X Park + More free summer jazz events". West Philly Local. July 2, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
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