PHILADELPHIA, October 18, 2022 – City of Philadelphia officials and partner organizations celebrated the unveiling of the newly named Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan International Arrivals Hall and the dedication of a permanent exhibit honoring the legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan at the Philadelphia International Airport.
The City of Philadelphia; the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE); the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust (Trust); and Philadelphia International Airport (Airport) partnered on this initiative to recognize Reverend Sullivan as part of his ongoing centennial celebration happening throughout October 2022.
“I’m humbled that our Administration can recognize the exceptional life of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan in this forum that will reach visitors from across the globe,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Reverend Sullivan’s legacy has roots in Philadelphia, but his lasting impact is an international story. It is fitting that the City of Philadelphia pays homage to Reverend Sullivan on this scale as part of his ongoing centennial celebration.”
Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan
International Arrivals Hall
The Philadelphia International Airport unveiling program included Mayor Jim Kenney; Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy; Keith Brune, Interim CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport; Mable Ellis Welborn, Board Chair of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust; and Tiphanie White, Office Manager/Special Events Coordinator for the Office of Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, Second District.
The Trust was presented with ceremonial documents recognizing Reverend Sullivan from Mayor Kenney and Philadelphia City Council. The program also included a performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by vocalist Val Gay and a prayer led by Rev. Alexander G. Houston, D. Min., Pastor of The Christian Church in Philadelphia and Trustee of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. The event concluded with the unveiling of the newly named Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan International Arrivals Hall and a reception with light refreshments.
“The Philadelphia International Airport is proud to be home to the newly named Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan International Arrivals Hall,” said Keith Brune, Interim CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport. “Reverend Sullivan’s legacy reflects the values of Philadelphia, which we are proud to display to visitors as they arrive in our city through the new signage and permanent exhibit.”
About Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan
Born October 16, 1922, Reverend Sullivan was a civil rights and social justice leader with an impressive legacy that included:
The creation of a successful boycott campaign in the early 1960s called Selective Patronage which opened the doors to 4,000 employment opportunities for Black Philadelphians; the establishment of the Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) in 1964;
The founding of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust and the Progress Investment Associates in 1966 as part of his 10-36 Plan encouraging individuals to invest in the economic future of their communities; the establishment of the Sullivan Principles in 1977;
The adoption of the Global Sullivan Principles by the United Nations in 1999, and much more.
In his lifetime, Reverend Sullivan was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush, the Four Freedoms Award by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, and The Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights by President Bill Clinton.
“Today’s unveiling of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan International Arrivals Hall marks a huge milestone for the legacy of a man whose accomplishments continue to impact countless lives throughout the world,” said Mable Ellis Welborn, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Trust is grateful for the support of the City, the Airport, the Sullivan family, and many more who believe in the mission of Reverend Sullivan and understand the importance of sharing his story with future generations.”
To learn more about Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan’s legacy and to view the remaining events from the 100th Birthday Celebration calendar, please visit thesullivantrust.org.
About the Office of Arts, Culture and the
Creative Economy
The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy closes the gap in access to quality cultural experiences and creative expression through the support and promotion of arts, culture, and the creative industries; connecting Philadelphians to enriching, arts-infused experiences; linking local artists and cultural organizations to resources and opportunities, and preserving the City’s public art assets.
For more information about the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, visit CreativePHL.org and follow @CreativePHL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
