Founder’s Message

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 Philadelphia Legacy is entering it’s ninth year. As of 2023 we have created 35 portraits to highlight those who made major contributions to our city. We also have honored 40 unsung heroes from the community with $500.00 dollars. Our 2023 theme was education and we completed our second three and a half day historical tour in an effort to add important historical awareness to our already historic city. 

We were lucky in 2023 year to have honored Emmy Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph who is highlighting the good teaching that happens under very challenging circumstances in Philadelphia everyday. We are also honored her husband Senator Vincent Hughes who watched his father help to build black communities in Philadelphia and who himself has been an important advocate for education. This is being done in the tradition of Philadelphia Legacy where we highlight Philadelphia the city of problems solvers. If you don’t believe us we at the end of our dinner will have thirty portraits to prove it.

The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School was founded in the year 2000. Since it’s inception it has held high standards for all of its students and produced incredible results. The key has been a strong leader dedicated teachers and belief in the students. This is why Veronica Joyner was a portrait award winner.

When Abbott Elementary started to make a splash on television Joyce Abbott had no idea that she inspired the show. Then the producer Quintin Brunson spilled the beans and said it was her teacher at Hamilton Elementary that inspired her when she was a shy little girl. Joyce Abbott was also honored with a portrait award in 2023.