The Parkway Central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania is proud to host the “Black Tea Rhapsody: An Homage to African American Tea Culture” exhibition. This multimedia art showcase born at Xavier University of Louisiana celebrating African American tea traditions will open with an event on August 16, 2024, and will continue to be on display until October 1, 2024. Xavier University of Louisiana, which is about to celebrate 100 years of service, previously hosted the exhibit in 2023.

The “Black Tea Rhapsody” exhibition is a vibrant exploration of African American tea culture, featuring the works of Dr. Rolanda Spencer, a lecturer in Xavier’s Department of African American and Diaspora Studies, and artists Herman Israel Spencer of Rochester, New York and native New Orleanian Roy Handy. This exhibition includes a unique blend of photographs, artifacts, and interactive displays that cover various themes such as Spirit, Medicine and Wellness, Black Men in Tea Spaces, and Community. Spanning from the 1800s to the present, these themes illustrate the significant role tea has played in African American life, from spiritual practices to community gatherings.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, given the [Parkway Central branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia] ’s significant role in promoting cultural diversity and community engagement,” wrote Dr. Spencer about the upcoming display. “We first showcased ‘Black Tea Rhapsody’ last July, and it was very well received. Following its success, the exhibition is now traveling nationally!”

In addition to the stunning visual displays, the exhibition will also feature historical photos and artifacts donated by individuals from across the United States, offering a comprehensive and rich narrative of African American tea traditions.

The highlight of the event will be a panel discussion with esteemed figures from the tea community and related fields from across the nation. Panelists include Latonia Cokely, owner of Adjourn Tea Room in Lanham, Maryland; Dr. Dana Nettles, co-founder of Dr. Nettles Natural Beauty in Mobile, Alabama; Rev Anthony Todd Jackson of the House of Spiritual Purpose in Houston, Texas; Kim Johnson, director of the Georgettes Tea Room House Renovation Project in Miami, Florida; and Chantrelle Edwards, owner of HellaTea in Oakland, California. The panel can be viewed here.

These experts will examine the historical and modern roles of tea in African American culture, discussing its links to wellness, the significance of tea spaces for black men, and the role of tea in fostering community ties. The panel aims to provide insights and stimulate conversations about the cultural and social impacts of tea.

“The root of the word ‘curate’ is to care for, or cure,” says Suzanna Urminska, curator of exhibitions at the Free Library of Philadelphia, “so we are deeply honored to welcome Dr. Spencer as a guest curator with her exhibit that engages our patrons through the legacies and futures of restorative cultural practices.”

“The African American culture has deep roots in healing medicines. What is fascinating and informative is this marriage of what was once thought of as strictly European interaction- ‘High Tea-’ we now see was used to organize and create social change,” shared K. Michelle Watson, library supervisor 1, Central Senior Services at the Parkway Central Library. “Dr. Rolanda Spencer’s book should be read and on our bookshelves as another example of history once lost but now found.”

The Parkway Central branch library, known for its grand architecture and extensive collections, is an ideal venue to celebrate and explore African American heritage. The lead architect, Julian Abele, was the first African American to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Architecture. Hosting the “Black Tea Rhapsody” exhibition in such a prominent public space underscores the cultural significance of African American tea traditions and offers visitors an opportunity to connect with this rich legacy.

Join this enlightening exhibition and panel discussion to gain a deeper appreciation of the history and ongoing importance of tea in African American communities.