Michael Clemmons Explores Philadelphia’s Black History and the Legacy of Stephen Smith

• Asia Tabb
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aired; September 25, 2026

Philadelphia-based public historian and researcher Michael Clemmons joins The Spark to discuss his work documenting the history and legacy of Black Philadelphians. Clemmons is a docent at the Richard Allen Museum, a former president of the Mother Bethel AME Church Historical Society and a founding member of the Black Docents Collective. He has worked with organizations including the Free Library, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Athenaeum and African American Museum of Philadelphia.

Clemmons will also discuss his research into the lives and legacies of Stephen Smith and William Whipper. Along with Dr. Donna Rilling, he co-authored the successful nomination of their historic Philadelphia homes for inclusion on the Philadelphia Historical Commission Register of Historic Places. We’ll talk about why preserving these stories matters, how Clemmons approaches historical research and interpretation, and what his work reveals about Philadelphia’s Black history.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST TO HEAR THE FULL CONVERSATION.