Norristown native Charles Blockson, renowned author, activist remembered

NORRISTOWN – The Norristown community this week mourned with scholars and others throughout the region as news spread of the loss of Charles Blockson. The author, activist and historian died June 14 at his Montgomery County home, according to a statement from Temple University. He was 89 years old.

“Even in his weakest moments, he was still so strong, so powerful; just commanded the room every time I was in his presence,” said Al Zone, executive director of the Elmwood Park Zoo.

Born December 16, 1933 in Norristown, Blockson is best known for his academic prowess of African-American history. After graduating from Penn State, gaining a doctorate degree from Villanova University, as well as holding honorary degrees from Holy Family and Lincoln universities, Blockson went on to co-found the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

He wrote more than a dozen books and was named a national expert on the Underground Railroad as chairman of the Underground Railroad Advisory Committee.

Blockson is survived by his daughter, Noelle P. Blockson; his siblings, Betty Thompson, Caroline Caulker, Gertrude Poage and James Blockson, along with other family members, friends and colleagues, according to a statement from Temple University.

“I’m devastated. He was like a true hero,” said Angelique Hinton, president of the Greater Norristown NAACP. “Just seeing his body of work and how invested he was in making sure that, especially little Black kids, understand all that they have contributed, ultimately puts in their minds all that they can achieve. So I’m very sad to hear this.”

Among items in Blockson’s private collection are those that belonged to famed abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Thirty-nine pieces, including a silk and linen shawl, wooden cutlery and a hymnal, were given to him by Tubman’s great-niece, Merline Wilkins.

“My connection with the (Tubman) family is exciting to people, as I travel around the country. Lecturing, most people knew one name – Harriet Tubman,” Blockson said in a 2012 interview with MediaNews Group, adding “my ancestors escaped with hers from Delaware into Canada.”

Exhibits featuring Blockson’s collections are also showcased at Penn State and Temple universities, as well as the Centre Theater in Norristown.

“Charles Blockson, his work with (the) Underground Railroad, his museum,” said Norristown Area School Board Member Louis Mason. “He has a museum on Temple’s campus, now he has one in Norristown, but the work that he’s done is international, and it’s unmatched.”

The exhibit featured manuscripts, memorabilia and photos from Blockson’s private collection, encompassing more than 700,000 items spanning five centuries.

“I am overwhelmed by Mr. Blockson’s dedication to preserving so many tremendous and important pieces of history, and his willingness to share these items in Norristown is an outstanding gift to the community,” Zone said.

Hinton and Norristown Area School District Superintendent Christopher Dormer had the pleasure of meeting Blockson at the exhibit’s opening last year at the theatre, 208 DeKalb St.

“I was standing in the presence of greatness, and just grateful, very, very grateful,” Hinton said.

“To me there’s that inspiration of what it meant to be a Norristonian,” Dormer told MediaNews Group. “What it meant to be a Black man in Norristown. What it meant to be a Black educator in Norristown.”

In May, the Norristown Area School Board voted to rename Stewart Middle School to Charles L. Blockson Middle School. The action sought to pay homage to Blockson’s alma mater. Signage is expected to be updated for the 2023-24 school year.

“I think (it’s) so important for our students to see that, and to see what he was able to accomplish in his life,” Dormer said in a May interview.

Along with the change in moniker, the middle school, located at 1315 W. Marshall St., in Norristown will feature a display to help students learn about Blockson, his life and his legacy.

“We’re going to work closely with them (the school district), and we’re going to make sure we get as many students through that facility as possible to continue to spread the word, and the good works of Mr. Blockson,” Zone said.