Rev. Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan (1922-2001)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The "Lion of Zion" led the Selective Patronage Movement, opening thousands of jobs to blacks nationwide. He promoted the philosophy of self-help, creating organizations to educate and train minorities. The Global Sullivan Principles, codes of conduct for equal opportunities and human rights, factored prominently in negotiations to end apartheid in South Africa. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he pastored at Zion Baptist for 37 years.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Known as the "Lion of Zion," the Rev. Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan pastored Philadelphia's Zion Baptist Church for 37 years and turned his pulpit into an engine for economic justice. His Selective Patronage Movement — boycotting companies that refused to hire Black workers — opened thousands of jobs nationwide, and his gospel of self-help built lasting institutions to train minority workers. Decades later, his Global Sullivan Principles pressed corporations toward human rights and helped isolate apartheid South Africa, earning him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Why it matters
Sullivan pioneered the use of economic pressure as a civil rights weapon, extending the American freedom struggle from the shop floor to the world stage.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center3.7 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia3.8 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House3.9 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center3.9 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery3.9 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery3.9 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle2.1 mi away
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir2.8 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge3.2 mi away
- Philly Gun Range3.2 mi away · North Percy Street
- Rocky Steps3.3 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo3.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe3.9 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Dunkin'3.9 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King3.9 mi away
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters4.0 mi away
- Bubble Tea Room4.0 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- 3J's Cafe4.0 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia3.6 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center3.6 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia3.6 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City3.7 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA3.8 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City3.8 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Leon Howard Sullivan
Themes & tags
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