Smith Playground Celebrates Hometown Heroes at 4th Annual Leaders & Legends Exhibit, Feb 5-29

On Monday, February 5, 2024, from 10:30am to 12 pm, families throughout the region and distinguished guests will kick off Black History Month at Smith Memorial Playground for the “Opening Day Celebration” of the fourth annual exhibit Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia.

This free, family-friendly event honors the contributions of local African American leaders across a wide range of fields, including fields whose impact has made Philly a better place to live, work, grow, and play. The exhibition is made up of educational displays focusing on each honoree’s life and achievements. Students from Community Partnership School, Dr. Guion Bluford School, and James R. Lowell School will be part of the opening ceremony, which will include a kid-friendly scavenger hunt and a student-led press conference to learn more about these local heroes. 

2024 honorees include: 

• Caleb Jones and Andre Wright/Give and Go Athletics (youth program directors/mentors) 
• Henry Ossawa Tanner (artist)
• Dr. Constance E. Clayton (educator and civil leader)
• Tonnetta Graham (community leader and activist)
• Wilt Chamberlain (professional basketball player)
• Ryan Boyer (first Black leader of Building Trades Council)
• DJ Jazzy Jeff (hip-hop DJ and producer)
• Asim Richards (professional football player)
• Sozi Pedro Tulante (lawyer and former city solicitor)
• Mayor Cherelle Parker (first black woman Mayor of Philadelphia)

Leaders and Legends runs through February 29. The exhibit is installed on Smith’s 6 ½ acre playground and is free to the public. Visits to the exhibit are welcome during Smith’s visiting hours, Tuesdays-Sundays between 10am-4pm. 

“We are excited to celebrate the achievements of these important leaders and to present their stories as inspiration for our children,” says Frances Hoover, Executive Director of Smith Memorial Playground. “This year, the exhibit opening will give power to the voices of North and West Philadelphia youth who will host a press conference at Smith and will interview some of the honorees.”

Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia is made possible by the generous support of Greenberg Traurig, The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, and Home Depot.