Min We Blk History Month Special-Leon Howard Sullivan

The first major black sponsored shopping center, Progress Plaza, in Philadelphia was developed by Leon Howard Sullivan in 1968. This center was built through funds of his investment group. He later established the first black-owned aero-space supply agency, Progress Aerospace Enterprises. In addition to his business savvy Sullivan was a Baptist Minister in Philadelphia for over 38 years of his life. Later in life many noticed his business knowledge and success and in 1971 he became the first black to sit on the GM board. He also was the first black coin-box operator for Bell Telephone Company while he spent a couple of years in New York.