The African American Experience

Discover Pennsylvania’s story through the lens of African American history and culture. Interviews with experts and tours of notable locations reveal the African American perspective during the major events that shaped the state. The African American Experience is available to stream on demand below with a PCN Select subscription.

PCN, proud to bring Pennsylvania History and Culture to you.

African American History in Pennsylvania

By: Phil Beckman, Producer

In 1863 when the Union Army began accepting African American men, Camp William Penn was established outside Philadelphia to train them. During the course of the war more than 10,500 soldiers comprising 11 infantry regiments were trained at the camp before leaving for battle. Camp William Penn soldiers fought in many battles, won Medals of Honor, were present at Robert E. Lee’s surrender, and participated in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth.

PCN’s series, The African American Experience, was created to tell these stories and more. The series focuses on African American history in Pennsylvania. Episodes will feature interviews with experts and tours of historic sites.

African Americans have been part of Pennsylvania’s story from the beginning. We spoke with author Cooper Wingert about slavery in the south central region in the 18th and early 19th centuries and why it continued to thrive there even as it died out in the eastern part of the state.

Samuel Black, the director of African American Programs at the Heinz History Center, joined us to talk about how the Great Migration impacted Pittsburgh. During the Great Migration more than 6 million African Americans moved from the South to the North and West with many thousands settling in the Pittsburgh region. They worked in steel mills, started business, ran newspapers, and played jazz.

Learn more about the lives and influence of African Americans in Pennsylvania on demand with the PCN Select streaming service.