A playful learning space honoring civil rights, community leadership, and neighborhood history

Called to Serve: The Lion of Zion Immersive Playful Learning Installations

The Lion of Zion Immersive Playful Learning Installations honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, the longtime pastor of Zion Baptist Church and a powerful civil rights leader in Philadelphia. Rev. Sullivan was known as the “Lion of Zion” for his strong voice in the fight for freedom, justice, and economic opportunity. Located in the heart of the Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood, the project connects children and caregivers to local history through playful learning, storytelling, and community pride.

The installations are part of the future Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center, a renovated church space planned to serve as a thriving community hub. The center is expected to include a café and bookstore, entrepreneur kiosks, career services, youth programming, food distribution, and health services. Through playful learning elements connected to civil rights, entrepreneurship, and oral histories, the project invites families to learn about the past while imagining a stronger future for their community!

The Learning Goals

The Lion of Zion supports the 6 Cs of playful learning: communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation. Children and caregivers are invited to explore local history, talk about community leadership, and learn about Rev. Sullivan’s legacy through playful, interactive experiences. The project builds content knowledge by connecting children to civil rights, economic justice, entrepreneurship, and oral histories rooted in North Philadelphia.

Through storytelling and hands-on engagement, families can practice communication, ask questions, share memories, and imagine how they can help their community grow.

The Team

The Lion of Zion Immersive Playful Learning Installations were created through Play Everywhere Philadelphia in partnership with Called to Serve CDC, KABOOM!, Playful Learning Landscapes, Watchdog Project Management, and community partners connected to the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan Community Impact Center.