North Philadelphia's New Freedom Theatre one step closer to restoration as legislation moves in Harrisburg

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The New Freedom Theatre is one step closer to reliving its glory days. Legislation that would restore the historic North Philly landmark has passed the Pennsylvania House and now waits for a vote in the Senate.

Democratic state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta says he introduced the bill to “rebuild and reimagine what the New Freedom Theatre can be.” His hope is to restore not only the 19th century building but also North Philly’s reputation as a stronghold for Black culture and talent.

“What’s made it so special is all the talent that has come out of the theater over the years,” he said. “True luminaries in the theater, movie and entertainment space.”

It is Pennsylvania's oldest African-American theatrical institution. Since it opened at Broad and Master streets in the late 1960s, with the support of the Black People’s Unity Movement, the theater has documented Black history in the United States through the performing arts, intersecting with such figures as writer James Baldwin and actor Denzel Washington.

“This is a place that incubated those voices — August Wilson, Sonja Sanchez — arts and entertainment in North Philadelphia and the broader American context,” said Kenyatta.

In its second life, he says, the theater should continue as a beacon of Black culture and welcome the future of Philly’s Black artists.