A Quest for Parity

Photo by Jim Murphy, Author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

This memorial to Octavius V. Catto, a Black Philadelphia scholar, educator, athlete and civil rights advocate, is the first one on Philadelphia public property to recognize a specific African American. Catto was gunned down on South Street Oct. 10, 1871, at age 32, while urging Black men to vote in the first election after the 15th Amendment gave them this right. The work was dedicated Sept. 26, 2017.

You’ll find “A Quest for Parity: The Octavius V. Catto Memorial,” by sculptor Branley Cadet, on the southwest apron of City Hall. It’s definitely worth a visit.