Mourning the death and honoring the memory of Reverend Leon H. Sullivan.

WHEREAS, Reverend Leon H. Sullivan died on April 24, 2001 at the age of seventy-eight, and although God in His wisdom took him from our midst, his accomplishments, reputation, and power will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sullivan served as Pastor of Zion Baptist Church for nearly four decades, and continued to return every year as Pastor Emeritus. He was not only respected, but also loved by his congregation, whose members held him in highest affection and esteem; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Sullivan, who will be remembered as a leader whose vision changed the world, founded The Opportunities Industrialization Centers in Philadelphia, an organization which is now in countries all over the world. He also sponsored and implemented the Zion Gardens Apartment Complex, Progress Plaza Shopping Center, and Progress Human Services Center, all prototypes of urban self-help ventures which have been replicated throughout this country; and

WHEREAS, Organizing the concept of “selective patronage,” implementing the Sullivan Principles for Fair Employment, and training millions of people here and in South Africa for literacy and employment are only a fraction of this great man's accomplishments. He was born in West Virginia, his home was Philadelphia, and he belonged to the world. He will be remembered for a vision which he made a reality through faith, force of will and true commitment; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby join in mourning the death and celebrating the life of the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the Sullivan Family and to Zion Baptist Church as evidence of the deep sympathy and sincere sentiments of this Legislative Body.

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