The Inquirer Spotlights Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story
The Philadelphia Inquirer featured Becoming American: Philadelphia's Story on July 27, 2026, as the documentary began streaming on PBS.org.
"At its core, this film is about people."
— Oliver St. Clair Franklin, executive producer
Written by Mike Newall, the feature traces how the film tells the story of Philadelphia and the creation of America through the experiences of Black Philadelphians. Rooted in colonial Philadelphia neighborhoods, it follows the lesser-known activists and artisans who shaped the republic, among them pioneering abolitionists Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, both born into slavery. Franklin, a scholar and former chief arts and cultural official for the city, produced the film jointly with UK-based Bear House Media, releasing it in America's 250th year.
Read Mike Newall's full story at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Comments