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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The collection includes historic documents, correspondence and articles connected to Sullivan’s work.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“When you’re looking at correspondence on the table… I write those letters,” Welborn said.<\/p>\n
Welborn said Sullivan earned the nickname “The Lion of Zion” because of his determination to overcome obstacles.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the initiative led to the creation of a number of lasting initiatives, including Progress Plaza.<\/p>\n
“The first-of-its-kind in the continental United States that was done by Africans Americans,” Welborn said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“That’s the purpose of lifting the legacy of Dr. Sullivan especially on his birthday,” Welborn said.<\/p>\n
The celebration will continue beyond the exhibit. The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is scheduled to hold a gala on Oct. 30.<\/p>\n
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