“Two years later, Whitman Park opened with little incident.” That’s how one story ends, but our story about Whitman Park is just beginning. Whitman Park in South Philadelphia wasn’t always a place of peace. Its very existence is rooted in decades of fierce battles.
Whitman Park’s story began in 1956. City officials proposed building 21 public housing projects. These projects aimed to integrate Black Philadelphians into white neighborhoods. Mayor Richardson Dilworth saw it as a solution to the post-World War II housing shortage. He also wanted to take advantage of limited federal funds.
However, the plan faced immediate and intense opposition. Thousands protested. They argued that public housing would lower home values. The Philadelphia Board of Realtors recommended against most of the sites.
Despite the resistance, one project survived. It was Whitman Park. Even then, the struggle continued for over two decades. Whitman Park’s design changed significantly due to pushback. Originally planned as an apartment tower, it became 120 rowhomes. Officials also changed the ownership structure. They allowed tenants to eventually buy their properties.
Opposition persisted. In 1971, residents picketed to slow construction. Frank Rizzo, then mayor, vowed to stop Whitman Park. His opposition was seen by some as racially motivated. He sparked a lawsuit. In 1976, a federal judge ruled that Philadelphia had acted discriminatorily.
The conflict escalated. In 1978, Black civic leaders protested at the site. In 1980, violence erupted. Police arrested protesters blocking construction. A neighborhood resident killed a woman who supported the opposition. The slain woman, Marion Carr, became a symbol for the opposition. Her death led to near-riots.
By 1982, the violence subsided. Whitman Park finally opened. The Philadelphia Housing Authority allowed tenants to buy their homes in an attempt to appease opponents. All 120 homes eventually passed into private hands.
Today, Whitman Park stands as a testament to a turbulent past. It reminds us of the struggles for integration and equality in Philadelphia. It symbolizes a community shaped by conflict and change.
While here at Whitman Park, consider its surroundings. The Whitman neighborhood is bounded by Sixth Street, Front Street, Bigler Street, and Snyder Avenue. The name “Whitman” came about during the Walt Whitman Bridge construction in the 1950s.
Nearby, you’ll find Whitman Plaza shopping center. It sits at Fourth Street and Oregon Avenue. It offers a variety of stores and services.
Whitman is a neighborhood with a rich history and diverse population. It has evolved over the years. It continues to be a vibrant part of South Philadelphia. Remember the story of Whitman Park. It is a story of struggle, change, and ultimately, resilience.