PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Artifacts and historic documents tied to the life and work of Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan are being showcased in Philadelphia as part of a celebration, marking what would have been the civil rights leader’s 104th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust.
The display features items that had never previously been exhibited publicly, highlighting the legacy of a man remembered for his efforts to advance opportunities for Black communities in Philadelphia and beyond.
“As we started to uncover all these amazing things, I’m like, ‘We have to share! People have to know,'” said Portia Fullard, executive director of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust.
The collection includes historic documents, correspondence and articles connected to Sullivan’s work.
According to organizers, the living legacy display and an accompanying program on Friday afternoon were created to commemorate both Sullivan’s birthday and the charitable trust’s milestone anniversary.
“Sixty years ago, people understood the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in this man’s legacy and this man’s vision,” Fullard said.
Sullivan’s impact is reflected in correspondence from companies, including Strawbridge’s and Tastykake, which supported his charitable trust after he pushed to desegregate businesses through boycotts.
Mabel E. Welborn, board chair of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust, recalled her involvement with those efforts as she worked for Sullivan from 1966-1976.
“When you’re looking at correspondence on the table… I write those letters,” Welborn said.
Welborn said Sullivan earned the nickname “The Lion of Zion” because of his determination to overcome obstacles.
“Whenever there was a problem, he knew there was a way to overcome that. That’s why he was referred to as ‘The Lion of Zion,'” she said.
The display also includes pledge cards from Sullivan’s 10-36 Plan, which encouraged members of the Black community to contribute $10 per month for 36 months.
Organizers say the initiative led to the creation of a number of lasting initiatives, including Progress Plaza.
“The first-of-its-kind in the continental United States that was done by Africans Americans,” Welborn said.
Sullivan died in 2001, but organizers said his work continues to create opportunities for others. The anniversary events are intended to ensure his contributions are remembered by future generations.
“That’s the purpose of lifting the legacy of Dr. Sullivan especially on his birthday,” Welborn said.
The celebration will continue beyond the exhibit. The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is scheduled to hold a gala on Oct. 30.
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