# City Council Renames University City Section Black Bottom

> Philadelphia City Council officially recognizes a University City neighborhood as Black Bottom, the name it used in early 20th century before urban renewal demolition.
- Title: City Council Renames University City Section Black Bottom
- Summary: Philadelphia City Council officially recognizes a University City neighborhood as Black Bottom, the name it used in early 20th century before urban renewal…
- Keywords: philadelphia, city council, black bottom, university city, urban renewal, housing act 1949, walter palmer, reparations, news, local, City, Council
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/black-bottom-renaming-philadelphia-city-council
- Published: 2026-10-01T22:45:36.39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: philadelphia, city council, black bottom, university city, urban renewal, housing act 1949, walter palmer, reparations, news, local
## City Council approves Black Bottom renaming
Philadelphia City Council approved legislation Thursday to officially identify a section of West Philly as Black Bottom.
## Black Bottom neighborhood history
Black Bottom was a predominantly Black neighborhood established during the Great Migration from 1910 to 1930.
## Demolition for urban renewal
In the 1960s, urban renewal funds were used to acquire and demolish homes in the area around Penn and Drexel.
## Housing Act 1949 impact
The Housing Act of 1949 allowed local government to purchase areas considered blight to clean up.
## West Philadelphia Corporation role
The West Philadelphia Corporation, made up of higher education and medical institutions, drove the demolition.
## Resident perspective
Jerry Davis, a resident, said thousands lost homes for little or no compensation during urban renewal.
## Councilmember Gauthier's stance
Councilmember Jamie Gauthier hopes renaming starts reparations including compensation for descendants.
## Historical marker planned
A marker commemorating Black Bottom history is being prepared for installation.
## Next steps for community
The city aims to formally recognize historical harm and move toward reparations for displaced residents.
## Key takeaway

Philadelphia City Council renamed a University City section Black Bottom to acknowledge a historically Black neighborhood demolished in 1960s urban renewal.