Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia | Smith Memorial Playground

Celebrating Notable Members of Philadelphia's Black Community

Smith celebrates Black History Month with an exhibit entitled Leaders & Legends of Philadelphia. The exhibit celebrates Black excellence and the remarkable contributions of individuals who have shaped history, culture, and community.

This year, in alignment with the nation’s 250th anniversary and our Revolutionary Action Figure Project, the exhibit will highlight Black youth leaders who are taking meaningful, courageous action in Philadelphia today. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire young visitors to recognize their own power to create positive change.

Honorees will demonstrate what we are calling “revolutionary action” in everyday, real ways, such as:

-Using their voice to challenge systems or solve problems

-Standing up for others or advocating for fairness

-Improving access to education, health, safety, or creative opportunity

-Leading with empathy, courage, or persistence

-Caring deeply for their neighborhood, school, or peers

-Turning personal experience into positive action for others

The exhibit will be open to the public Tues, February 10, 2026 - Sat, February 28, 2026. The exhibit offers families a unique opportunity to engage with the stories of these young leaders and reflect on the themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia - Youth Edition is supported in part by Philadelphia 250 and the Funders Collaborative as part of Smith’s Revolutionary Action Figure Project.

The 2026 Youth Edition honorees are:
Asayah Behn- Shaddaiyah
Ayomide Enakhimion
Brooklyn Grigger
Israel “Izzy” Carter
Jeremy Turner
Jordan Abney
Jymeer Reynolds
Neela Salahuddin
Patricia Buckner
Tora Mitchell
Xavier Bullock

Nominating organizations include:
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia
Girls Scouts of Eastern PA
Give and Go Athletics
Philadelphia Outward Bound School
Rock to the Future
Yes! And…Collaborative Arts