Sullivan Progress Plaza
Sullivan Progress Plaza is a historic shopping center in North Philadelphia. A historical marker at the site gives the following descriptive information:
First shopping center in the US built, owned, and operated by African Americans. It was established in 1968 by Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, Zion Baptist Church members, and the local black community. Its success attracted national attention: It led President Nixon to fund the Progress Development Services Corporation to aid blacks nationwide with commercial development projects. It encouraged black capitalism, inspiring similar economic ventures.
In The News
- First black-owned shopping center gets historical marker, Philly dot com, September 15, 2016.