Charles L. Blockson facts for kids

Blockson in his office at home (1972)

Charles Leroy Blockson (born December 16, 1933 – died June 14, 2023) was an American historian and author. He loved collecting books, old documents, art, and other items. These items all told the story of African Americans, people from Africa, and people of African descent around the world. He helped create two very important collections at universities. These collections are at Pennsylvania State University and Temple University.

Early Life and His Big Idea

Charles Leroy Blockson was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on December 16, 1933. He was the oldest of eight children. When he was in fourth grade, his teacher said something that changed his life. She said, "Black people have no history. They were born to serve white people."

Charles went home and told his parents. They told him that black people absolutely have a rich history. They taught him about many important African American men and women. This moment made Charles want to find, collect, and save the history of African descendants. He started looking for books and artifacts everywhere. He visited the Salvation Army, antique shops, and church sales. He also found many bookstores in Philadelphia. Charles became well-known among people who dealt with books and old items. His passion for collecting took him all over the world. It also inspired him to write books. He became a top expert on the Underground Railroad.

Charles went to school in the Norristown Area School District. He was a great athlete, especially in football and track and field. He was a star at Norristown High School and Penn State University. He won many state and national awards. He also took part in the Penn Relays. When he traveled for sports, he always made time to visit bookstores.

He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1956. Later, he received three special honorary degrees. These were from Lincoln University, Holy Family University, and Villanova University.

His Important Work

Charles Blockson helped start many important groups. He was a co-founder of the African American Museum in Philadelphia. This museum shares the history and culture of African Americans. He also helped create the Pennsylvania Black History Committee. This group works with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

He was also the past president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. This group worked to end slavery a long time ago. He also led the National Park Service Underground Railroad Advisory Committee. This committee helps protect places important to the Underground Railroad. He also directed a project to put up historical markers in Pennsylvania. This project put up the most African American history markers in the United States.

One of his proudest moments was in 2016. A special marker was put up at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. It honored the Pennsylvania Slave Trade.

Charles Blockson retired from Temple University in 2006. He continued to serve as a special curator for the Afro-American Collection.

The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection

In 1984, Charles Blockson gave his amazing collection of African American history items to Temple University. This collection is called the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. It has grown a lot since then. Now, it holds over 500,000 books, documents, and photographs.

He also gave items to the Charles L. Blockson Collection at Pennsylvania State University. He also donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NAAMHC). His donation to the NAAMHC included 39 items that belonged to Harriet Tubman. Her grand-niece had given these items to him.

In 2022, the historic Centre Theatre in his hometown of Norristown opened. It had a public exhibit of Blockson's artifacts.

Later Life

Charles Blockson passed away on June 14, 2023. He was 89 years old.

Honors

In 2017, Charles L. Blockson received the Philadelphia Award. This is a very special honor given to people who do great things for Philadelphia.