The Lion of Zion

REVEREND LEON H. SULLIVAN, FOUNDER 1922 – 2001

Reverend Leon H. Sullivan was born in Charleston, West Virginia on October 16, 1922. He was raised in a small house in one of Charleston’s poorest sections, but richly influenced by his belief in God and the teachings of his grandmother, who he said was, “a constant and powerful presence in my life who taught me early on the importance of faith, determination, faith in God, and especially self-help.”

At the age of twelve, he purchased a Coke at a drugstore and when he went to sit down, a white man told him “stand on your feet Black boy”. That incident, along with his grandmother’s direction, and his faith in the power and authority of God, helped transform a 12 year-old boy with humble beginnings into a 6’5″ man who would break through racial barriers and move mountains.

Reverend Sullivan fought for principles of self-help, created opportunities for the under privileged and accomplished 38 years of pastoral duties. He received recognition as a local, national, and international civil rights leader and was the first African-American to serve on a Fortune 500 Board of Directors.

Reverend Sullivan created numerous businesses, that later were and are described as the Sullivan Entities.

2022-2023 STEP-UP SCHOLARSHIP

The Step-Up scholarship program provokes an awareness of the creator of a “Self Help Philosophy”, by requiring applicants to describe a significant effort initiated by Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, and how that same effort might be effectively applied today. Dr. Sullivan once said of his training programs: “there will be special emphasis on helping young people in middle and lower sections of their classes who aspire to college education...” In keeping with that philosophy, the Step-Up scholarship aims to assist graduates who are on the road to recognizing their potential for excellence. The STEP-UP Scholarship is open to all qualifying African American graduating seniors, current undergraduate and trade school attendees who live in the Philadelphia area.