Three of the World’s Most Notable African American Historians and Cultural Icons Come Together to Help Honor Some of Philadelphia’s Greatest Problem Solvers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 22, 2021 – 5:30 pm on Sunday, October 3, 2021, the 6th Annual Philadelphia Legacies Portrait & Community Awards will take place at the Victorian Banquet Hall located 4809 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets may still be secured online at Eventbrite or www.philadelphialegacy.org.
Once again, this growing iconic celebration tops off PHILADELPHIA LEGACIES WEEK as it highlights great problem solvers of Philadelphia who have made a positive lasting impact on our city and the world. Our contemporary history-makers are brought to life revealing the great depths and dimensions of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Legacies honors Philadelphia legacy makers, lifetime achievers, and young people to watch, unsung heroes, real frontline soldiers who do all they can to hold our communities together despite the obstacles, are acknowledged with leadership awards and stipends for their organizations.
The awards ceremony is extra special this year as the honorable Rev. Jesse Jackson and historian and creator of Kwanzaa, Maulana Karenga, will join the celebration via Zoom. Also, iconic poet, author, and founder of Third World Press, Haki Madhubuti comes in from Chicago, to help honor our Philadelphia greats through Conversation with Philadelphia’s own Queen Mother Falaka Fattah, and commentary on Dr. Diane Turner and the late Emma Chappelle.
Award Winners, Speakers, Notables in
Attendance Portrait Award Winners
The late Emma Chappell: “To understand the community, one must understand banking.” The first African American woman to start her own commercial bank in America. Emma was also Jesse Jackson’s treasurer for his presidential campaign, and she made important global impacts on communities, including Africa.
Dr. Molefi Kete Asante: Molefi Asante started the first Doctorate program in African American Studies, which exists today at Temple University, and is a leading African researcher who has helped to transform literature in both Egyptology and Greek studies.
The late James Spady: An important researcher historian, journalist, and writer of African and African American Studies.
Jannie Blackwell: a relentless advocate, who for over 30 years served as a public servant and councilmember for West Philadelphia, on-call day and night hails from homeless from the longest African American political destiny in Philadelphia. Today she is working on creating Philadelphia’s first Africa Town.
The late Sam Staten, Sr.: For 30 years, he headed the 332 Union, Philadelphia’s only majority Black building trades union. He passed the torch to his son, who has continued his legacy of great leadership.
Other Award Winners
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Diane L. Turner – Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, one of the world’s most prestigious collections.
Young Person-To-Watch: Jabari Jones – Drexel University alumni known as the convener of West Philadelphia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, President of West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative, the largest coalition of West Philadelphia small businesses, and recipient of three 40 Under 40 awards.
Community Leadership Award Winners
• Danita Bates – North Philadelphia Community Activist
• Oshunbumi Fernandez – President of Odunde
• Ivey Staten-Minor – Award-winning poet and community activist
• Stephanie Booker – Founder and Executive Director, AHARI – A Home Is A Right, Inc.
• Ann Turner – Salon owner and beauty product developer, Advocate and voice for Philadelphia Barbershops and Salons, President of PPIA (Pennsylvania Professional Image Association) and 63rd Street Business Association
