Welcome to the
ICY GRADUATION PROJECT
Purpose
Through the lens of the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY), this project turns history into a hands-on, community-driven critical reflection on democracy.
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​​​​This project restores a pivotal chapter in Philadelphia’s past and makes learning fun and engaging for students and families alike.
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Culminating in a re-creation of the ICY Graduation Ceremony from 1860, this project encourages the community to engage with Democracy and celebrate the antebellum Black community of Philadelphia who held Democracy dear.
Build Curriculum
and Train Teachers
Teacher Workshop
August 2025
This project will build curriculum based on the primary sources and lived experiences of the antebellum Black population of Philadelphia. A main thread through the curriculum will be to examine how Black Philadelphians prior to 1860 loved and practiced Democracy through church, school and social institutions; despite being disenfranchised.
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Teach Grades 9-12
in public and private schools
FALL 2025 -Spring 2026
Local schools will run this curriculum - a one month unit in African-American studies for students in grades 9-12. ​
Compliment the Curriculum
with Engaging Activities
Bring Octavius Catto
and Carolyn LeCount to Life
Spring 2026
Becoming ICY Students:
Participating students will become part of the ICY cohort, as if they were attending ICY.
An ICY Newspaper:
Our Harry Potter-esque online newspaper will introduce students to the fascinating personalities that made up ICY students and faculty.
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Engaging with Historical Reenaactors:
We’re bringing ICY’s teachers back to life through historical reenactors who will visit schools and lead the ICY Graduation ceremony.
Showcase Student Projects
Spring 2026
Written and Artistic Projects:
Students will participate in essay and art contents focused on the life of ICY faculty and students.
A Community Celebration of Democracy
Re-create the ICY Graduation Ceremony
Spring 2026
A Community Celebration of Democracy:
The graduation ceremony will recreate an actual ICY graduation - based on an actual program from the 1860s. Historical Reenactors will lead the graduation and students with winning essays and art projects will present their projects in full antebellum dress.
The Team
Dr. Stephanie Joy Tisdale
1838 Black Metropolis
Brianna Quaide
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Morgan Lloyd
1838 Black Metropolis
Matthew Palmer
1838 Black Metropolis
Justina Barrett
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
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Dr. Melissa Benbow Flowers
1838 Black Metropolis
Ish Jimenez
School District of Philadelphia
Katie Clark
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Kimberly Walker
School District of Philadelphia
Michiko Quinones
1838 Black Metropolis
Michelle Flamer
1838 Black Metropolis
FUNDERS|PARTNERS
Philadelphia Funders:
This project is made possible through a generous grant from the Philadelphia Funders in support of activities for the celebration of the nation's 250th.
Partners:
We are proud to partner with The School District of Philadelphia and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania on this exciting project.