Thomas J. Dorsey (1812 - 1875)

by KYW's Karin Phillips

In 1875, the Register of Trades of the Colored People in the City of Philadelphia and Districts listed businessman Thomas Dorsey as one of the wealthiest African-Americans in Philadelphia.

He ran several businesses, including a boot and shoemaking business on North Sixth Street. But he made a lot of his money from a restaurant and catering service at 1231 Locust Street.

Dr. Diane Turner is curator of the Charles L. Bloxson Afro-American Collection at Temple University:

"In the catering business, African Americans had a monopoly on that. Also, in terms of barbering. Even in the music industry. Their clientele were white elites."

Dr. Turner points out that Dorsey did all after escaping to Philadelphia from slavery in Maryland in 1836:

"His story is very exciting because once he got here... slavecatchers took them back into slavery. A group of free blacks and white abolitionists put up a thousand dollars for him so he could be free."

KYW's Karin Phillips presents a weeklong series about the new exhibit at the National Constitution Center.

Part I: Tavis Smiley, The Man With The Vision
In this report, KYW's community affairs reporter Karin Phillips talks to Tavis Smiley -- broadcaster, author, advocate, philanthropist, and also the presenter and creative force behind "America I Am."

Part II: Advisory Board Member Dr. Cornel West
In this report, Karin Phillips speaks to Dr. Cornel West, a professor of religion and African American studies at Princeton University and one of America's most provocative philosophers.

Part III: Bringing the Artifacts Together
In this report, Karin Phillips speaks to the executive producer of "America I Am" and some of those who contributed artifacts to the exhibition.

Part IV: Making the Vision a Reality
In this report, Phillips talks to Mark Lach, the man responsible for the design elements of the "America I Am" exhibition.

Part V: The Doors Are Open!
In the final report of her series, KYW's community affairs reporter Karin Phillips speaks to National Constitution Center president and CEO Joseph Torsella and some of the first visitors into "America I Am."

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KYW Black History Month Podcasts

Richard Allen & Absalom Jones
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Leath, pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, about church founder Richard Allen and fellow spiritual leader Absalom Jones. (4:43)

Activist & Sailmaker
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips speaks with Bill Ward, Educator at the Independence Seaport Museum, about sailmaker and civil rights activist James Forten. (12:53)

A Unique Business Owner
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips speaks with the President of the American Women's Heritage Society about a very unique business owner of the time. (8:20)

The African-American Businessman
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Bloxson Afro American Collection at Temple, about Businessman and Caterer Thomas Dorsey. (6:31)

Civil Rights Activist O.V. Catto - Pt.2
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips spoke to Marcus Mitchell, president of the O. V. Catto Society, about civil rights leader Octavius Valentine Catto. (13:19)

Civil Rights Activist O.V. Catto - Pt.1
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Philadelphia City Councilman James Kenney about civil rights activist Octavius V. Catto. (6:15)

Philly's 19th Century Black Renaissance
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Dr. Diane Turner, Curator of the Charles L. Bloxson Afro American Collection at Temple University, about that bright time and how it slipped away. (10:37)

African Americans Living in 19th Century Phila.
KYW's Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips talks to Reverend Dr. Jeffrey Leath, pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, about living in 19th century Phila. (2:35)