2026-06-10 Nelson Polite: African American Heritage of the Southeast Neighborhood

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Speaker: Nelson Polite
Position: President of the African American\tHistorical Society\tof South Central PA
Title: African American Heritage\tof the Southeast Neighborhood
The Southeast Area presentation highlights that liberation is up to African Americans, whose experiences represent a complex connection to their past - both the trauma of enslavement and the resilience of their heritage. Discover Bethel A. M. E. Church, the living heart of the community, Elizabeth Carter, the church organist who longed to be a teacher, the Polite Family, and others who were devoted to the betterment of their community. Learn about the Conestoga Elks and their award-winning youth drum and bugle corps, the community turning out to see them parade down South Duke Street. This presentation brings to life the triumph of the African American community as it built a culture of service, faith, and social activism, alongside the tragedy of Urban Renewal, which saw the demolition of 14 square blocks of thriving businesses, churches, and civic associations. The fabric of the community was ruptured as individual homes were replaced with public housing and vibrant community spaces were obliterated. This presentation traces the life stream of that community, which was attacked by the policy of Urban Renewal, but which has not been forgotten or erased.