Examining the roots of systemic racism in Philadelphia

American democracy as we think of it was enshrined within the institutions, laws, and organizations first formed in Philadelphia.

So it should come as no surprise that the issues our country faces started here. It was that realization that led to this project; understanding Philly is vital to understanding systemic racism.

A special project from The Inquirer examining the roots of systemic racism in America through institutions founded in Philadelphia.

A More Perfect Union is produced with support from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Lisa D. Kabnick and John H. McFadden, Peter and Judy Leone, and Surdna Foundation. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.

ARTWORK BY IRA SHANDER

Looking back

Retrospective

It’s been a year since The Inquirer’s A More Perfect Union series began exploring the unjust legacies of some of Philadelphia’s biggest institutions.

“THEREISNOBETTERPLACETORECKONWITHTHEFUTUREOFOURCOUNTRYTHANPhiladelphiaTHEBIRTHPLACEOFOURINSTITUTIONSANDTHEIREVER-PERSISTINGINEQUALITY.”

Read the preamble by series editor Errin Haines.

chapter one

media

The American media aims to be a free and democratic press, but it has long been dominated by the white people and ideas centered in the stories we tell about our democracy and society.

chapter two

americana

Icons such as the flag, the Liberty Bell, and the Stetson hat have sold the myth of a monolithic white America for centuries. Though these symbols purport to unify, their enduring legacy may be division.

chapter three

suburbia

Philadelphia’s Main Line stands today as one of America’s wealthiest enclaves, with enviable schools, parks and majestic homes. But it was never intended for Black families.

chapter four

incarceration

Philadelphia built the first penitentiary in America. Inside its walls began a racist social experiment that continues to this day.

chapter five

medicine

America's first hospital and medical school opened in Philadelphia. These institutions laid the groundwork for a maternal care system that disproportionately harms Black families.