O. V. Catto Voter Empowerment Initiative, 150th Commemoration of the Assassination of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Activist

Famed Philadelphian, Octavius Valentine Catto, was most well-known for his fierce advocacy for civil rights and equality in the Military, use of Public Transportation, and Professional Sports. An educator by profession, Catto became the foremost Black activist in Pennsylvania in organizing African American men to register to vote; and then participate in the first Election Day after the passage of the 15ᵗʰ Amendment in 1871.
On Sunday, October 10, 2021, The O. V. Catto Voter Empowerment Initiative, in conjunction with the Black Clergy of Philadelphia & Vicinity and Office of Philadelphia City Commissioner will co-host the public Sesquicentennial Commemoration of Catto’s assassination from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at the O.V. Catto Statue, located on the Southwest quadrant of the Philadelphia City Hall apron, 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
“The purpose of this event is to observe the 150ᵗʰ anniversary of the assassination of Octavius Catto. This will be the first opportunity for Philadelphians to honor our first African American educator, military leader, voting rights activist, community leader, and martyr since the installation of the Catto statue at City Hall.
“As we continue to witness efforts to dismantle voting rights in Pennsylvania and many other states, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity (as an organization) understands our mission is more critical than ever. We must continue to educate our community about the importance of getting registered and then voting on Election Day.
Without voting, we have no voice, stressed Rev. Robert Collier, Sr. President of Black Clergy of Philadelphia, and Vicinity. “Our organization is proud to stand with the City Commissioners and the O.V. Catto Initiative to keep spreading the message about why we must all register and vote.”
To kick off the October 150th anniversary of O.V. Catto’s murder in Philadelphia, Procession Marshall Joe Certaine will lead the Military Color Guard of Honor, being conducted by Boy Scout Troup# 133, BSA, from the historic Saint Thomas African Episcopal Church. Their escorts will be members of the O.V. Catto Elks Lodge #20 (IBPOEW). Speakers during the program include Father Martini Shaw, Rector of Saint Thomas African Episcopal Church; Art Sudler, representing AECST; Lisa M. Deeley, Chair of the Philadelphia City Commissioners Office, will participate, as will Commissioners Omar Sabir and A. Schmidt. Rev. Robert Collier, Sr., President of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity will be on hand, along with Aaron A. Walton, President of Cheyney University; Catherine Hicks, President of the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP; Gregory Freeman, Exalted Ruler of the O.V. Catto Elks Lodge, #20; and a youth speaker, representing the Pennsylvania Youth Votes group.
In the Philadelphia election of 1871, Colonel William B. Mann, a civil war hero, was running for the office of District Attorney on the Republican ticket. He actively sought the Black vote in Philadelphia to swing a divided electorate to his candidacy. Democrats feared his election knowing that his intent was to clean up the city of corruption and enforce equal voting rights. On the fateful day of the election, October 10, 1871, during this charged and intense period, Octavius Catto worked even harder to get out the Black vote, thus gaining more hatred towards him. Catto was tireless in his activism, working all day to get Black voters to cast their ballots. Before the day was over, a small group of white men, after passing Catto on a street near his home, turned around and shot him in the back, killing him almost instantly.
Octavius Catto was indeed a civil rights activist, voting rights activist, hero, martyr, and so much more. On October 10, 2021, his memory will be celebrated. His work will be lifted up. His legacy will live on.
All participants are being asked to wear a face mask for health safety purposes. Also, please be advised that October 10th is the same day as the Broad Street Run, which means the area around City Hall and throughout downtown Philadelphia may still be congested prior to the Catto tribute starting. For those who drive, parking may be a bit of a challenge. Organizers of this event encourage you to come early, find parking, or consider taking public transportation. O. V. Catto gave his life encouraging Black people to vote. The least we can do is have a little patience on Sunday, as we find places to park or get on public transportation.
In honor of all the ancestors who were martyrs for Voting Rights, attendees are being asked to wear traditional African attire or White (if possible) in ceremonial tribute.