Community Development Corporation
INTRODUCING THE
Rev. Leon H. Sullivan
Community Impact Center
I N T R O D U C I N G T H E R E V. L E O N H . S U L L I V A N C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T C E N T E R
At the corner of Broad and Venango Streets, Called to Serve CDC and the Leon H. Sullivan CDC are leading an effort to transform the Zion Baptist Church Annex into the Reverend Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center. The Educational Annex, founded by Rev. Sullivan in the 1960s and in operation until 2014, was home to more than a dozen active programs that served the community. Our goal is to bring this historic building back to life as a community hub.
INTERIOR OF THE SANCTUARY
The new accessible entrance will lead to the main sanctuary area—a radically welcoming multipurpose space for community use. Exhibits and signage will tell the remarkable story of Rev. Sullivan and his legacy of Black empowerment and human rights that he launched from this site. A cooperative café and bookstore, adjacent to the reception area, will offer ownership opportunities and employment for community residents. Coffee and light fare will be offered along with books and events featuring Philadelphia authors. A Community Arts Center, radiant with natural light, will offer programs by Alice & Daisy’s Kin, LLC, an African-American, womenowned, and locally-based business. Artists of all ages and abilities will enjoy classes and clubs, space for work and display, art parties, and art therapy to address mental wellbeing and community healing.
COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
Temple University will operate several programs by and for the community: • F arm to Family, Cure Violence Philadelphia, and Begin the Turn programs from the Center for Urban Bioethics at the Katz School of Medicine • C ommunity Care Management program of Temple Health Systems to train health workers as advocates for neighbors • U niversity Admissions Outreach Office • Temple Lenfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative.
I N T R O D U C I N G T H E R E V. L E O N H . S U L L I V A N C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T C E N T E R
ESPORTS COMPETITION AND EVENT SPACE
A 120-seat Esports competition and event space with Shoutcasting studio will welcome teams from across the city. The BriDDge Career Pathways program will “bridge the digital divide” for youth leading to college scholarships and a variety of careers. The Esports space will transform into a Technology Center with a 60-station computer lab for youth and seniors alike, open to all.
TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The Spirit of the Lion
The Sullivan Community Impact Center will honor a visionary leader who made this neighborhood the birthplace of a movement that reached across the nation and around the world. It will be a model of economic empowerment and cultural heritage: • Financially sustainable through rental income • Environmentally sustainable through energyefficient systems • Educational information about Rev. Sullivan and how his legacy lives today
I N T R O D U C I N G T H E R E V. L E O N H . S U L L I V A N C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T C E N T E R
The Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center is on its way to becoming reality. Major grants, public funding and gifts from community members have helped to raise a significant portion of the $11 million cost to renovate the Annex. Join us and come celebrate when the doors open in 2024!
Join Us! Help us by contributing your support. To be raised: $3,300,000
• Be a part of the 20/24 plan— $20 a month for 24 months! • Find more ways to give at the Called to Serve website: https://www.calledtoservecdc.org/ sullivanimpactcenter.html
Anticipated tax credits: $4.6 million
Spread the word! Tell others about this wonderful opportunity to recognize Rev. Sullivan’s legacy and support our community.
Tell your story! We’re gathering stories of Rev. Sullivan and his continuing influence for the Sullivan Community Impact Center Archives. Share your story here: https://bit.ly/cts-sullivan-stories
Raised: $3.1 million
TOTAL COST
$11 million
For more information: Contact Rev. Michael A. Major at 215–588–4940 or mike.major@calledtoservecdc.org