


Leaders and Legends Black History Month Exhibition
Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia 2023
February 4-28 | Smith Memorial Playground 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
**Stay tuned for more information about our 2023 exhibit!**
Thank you to our sponsors, CBS 3, Lowe’s, Ballard Spahr, Dr. Beverly Coleman, Philadelphia250, and the UPenn Weitzman School of Design.
Previous Exhibitions
Information about previous exhibits is below.
Leaders and Legends 2021
Saturday, February 6 through Sunday, February 28, 2021
Smith Memorial Playground’s inaugural Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia Black History Month exhibition celebrates inspirational African American leaders who have made momentous, positive change in the fields of activism, arts, business, education, public service, and sports and have become a part of North Philadelphia’s history. Bring the family out to see displays of each honoree which include biographical information, highlighted facts for caregivers to “Quiz the Kids”, and suggested Philadelphia landmarks, activities, and reading dedicated to or inspired by each honoree that families can explore after they leave Smith.
2021 Honorees
SPORTS
- Joe Frazier aka “Smokin’ Joe” – professional boxer and Olympic Gold Medalist (1964 Tokyo, Japan) most known for defeating Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title in 1971
- Kyle Lowry – six-time NBA All Star and Olympic Gold Medalist currently playing for the Toronto Raptors
BUSINESS
- Ken Frazier – the first African American to lead a major Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company as chairman and CEO of Merck, also a lawyer and philanthropist
- Floyd Alston – community development leader best known for his inaugural leadership of the Beech Corporation and his work to spark the revitalization of North Philadelphia
THE ARTS
- John Coltrane – legendary jazz saxophonist and composer
- Jill Scott – GRAMMY Award-winning entertainer, multimedia entrepreneur and youth advocate
PUBLIC SERVICE
- State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (181st District) – first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to either chamber of the General Assembly in Pennsylvania history
- Cecil B. Moore – lawyer and civil rights advocate who helped found the Philadelphia Freedom Fighters and fought to desegregate Girard College
EDUCATION
- Linda Cliatt-Wayman – educator and children’s advocate who achieved national acclaim for her turnaround of Strawberry Mansion high school
- Delores Mitchell Andy – first African American female commissioner of the Philadelphia Recreation Department who was also a community activist and strong supporter of youth
ACTIVISM
- Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan – clergyman and human rights activist best known as the pastor of Philadelphia’s Zion Baptist Church who founded the Sullivan Principles (corporate codes of conduct promoting social responsibility)
- David and Falaka Fattah – community activists best known for founding of the House of Umoja, an organization whose objective is to end gang violence
Family Time
Continue playful learning celebrating Black History Month and inspired by the phenomenal Leaders and Legends honorees at home and all around the city!
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Smith Play Jawn TV Show
Yes, Smith has a TV show and our February episode also features legendary African American leaders and contributions in celebration of Black History Month! |
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![]() Inspired by Joe Frazier aka “Smokin’ Joe” |
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![]() Inspired by Kyle Lowry |
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![]() Inspired by Ken Frazier |
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![]() Inspired by Floyd Alston |
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Inspired by John Coltrane |
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![]() Inspired by Jill Scott |
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![]() Inspired by State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta |
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![]() Inspired by Cecil B. Moore |
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![]() Inspired by Linda Cliatt-Wayman |
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![]() Inspired by Delores Mitchell Andy |
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![]() Inspired by Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan |
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![]() Inspired by David and Falaka Fattah |
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Become a Corporate Sponsor
Smith’s Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia exhibition is a unique opportunity for companies and corporations to reach a diverse audience from all zip codes in Philadelphia and beyond. Promotional opportunities include acknowledgment in Smith’s bi-weekly, electronic newsletter which reaches over 15,000 subscribers, and social media campaigns, which reach over 25,000 followers (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). Learn more and secure your sponsorship today at the links below!
View Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Questions about sponsorship? Contact Danielle Smith, Director of Development at danielles@smithplayground.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
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