We hope everyone is hanging in and taking goods care of themselves and their neighbors during this tense time. It probably isn’t a big surprise at this point, but it seems unlikely we’ll be able to host any DDMS events in 2020 because of COVID-19 concerns and restrictions.

We are also saddened and angered by the recent murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police and the ongoing systemic injustice, brutality and murder that black Americans have experienced at the hands of police nationwide. We support demonstrations that aim to dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism. While the core team that puts on these shows is predominantly white, we hope that even in a quiet way, our performer choices and tour narration have reiterated our belief here that BLACK LIVES MATTER.

We are a work in progress, and while the future of the series is uncertain, you can always reach us via the contact if you have questions, recommendations for future programming, or even great bits of Black Philly history that deserve more attention! We’re listening. We can do better.

On a somewhat lighter, but related note, the Frank Rizzo statute in Philly that we’ve driven by during most DDMS events has FINALLY been removed. The statue has long been an uncomfortable reminder of police brutality and we’re glad to see it gone. We hope it can be replaced with other art that instead affirms the value of Black communities in our city. In the meantime enjoy this 3 minute video megamix video assembled by Bob Sweeney highlighting the DDMS’ run-ins with the statue over the years. Good riddance…


And in light of a criminal justice system still stacked against Black Americans we encourage you to donate to Philly Bail Fund