Octavius Catto Memorial Philadelphia
Honoring a black hero
Black lives matter. The controversy surrounding this simple, true statement is sad evidence of the state of American affairs. So as extremists rally to protect Confederate monuments, it is profoundly heartening to me to see my city honor an African-American hero with a statue.
Octavius Catto was an author, educator, soldier, athlete and activist who fought boldly for racial equality in the time after the Civil War. He led the movement that desegregated Philadelphia’s trolley system.
He also fought for the passage of African American voting rights and later for black voter turnout in elections. He was assassinated on South Street in 1871 at the age of 32.
Catto’s memorial is the first here erected to an African American. Called A Quest for Parity, the work is an artistically beautiful and heavily symbolic tribute. His likeness is accompanied by a ballot box and pillars fashioned to look like sections of a trolley, each acknowledging different aspects of this remarkable man.
The statue’s placement in the shadow of City Hall gives it its proper due. (Look for him outside the southern entrance to City Hall.)
The struggle is real and ongoing, but memorials like this are a welcome acknowledgement of the hard-fought progress of history that propels up forward.
About this spot
Philadelphia City Hall
- 24 hours daily
USD
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia
Fabric Workshop and Museum – Contemporary art
The "Fabric Workshop and Museum" in Philadelphia is one of the best places to see contemporary art - it's a central overlooks gem!
By
Andrea
Szyper
Material Culture – Anthropology museum or shop?
"Material Culture" in Philadelphia isn't just a store. It is a world. A global journey. An aesthetic trek through history & cultures...
By
Andrea
Szyper
Duross & Langel – Good clean fun
"Duross & Langel" is a Philadelphia soap shop. Scented with fruit and herbs, I'm afraid they're works of art almost too beautiful to use in the shower...
By
Andrea
Szyper
Laurel Hill Cemetery – I see dead people
"Laurel Hill Cemetery" in Philadelphia is equal parts public garden, sculpture park, historical campus and graveyard. It's a truly special spot...
By
Andrea
Szyper
Penn Museum of Anthropology – Mummies and more
The "Penn Museum of Anthropology" in Philadelphia would be a marquee attraction in a smaller town. Don't overlook this jewel and its collections, trust me.
By
Andrea
Szyper
Woodmere Art Museum – Home to Philadelphia artists
The "Woodmere Art Museum" and its mansion tell the story of Philadelphia and its artists from the 1800s to now. Don't miss its gift shop or back gallery!
By
Andrea
Szyper
Greene Street Consignment – Fashion-forward fun
"Greene Street Consignment" in Philadelphia makes it easy to find great pieces on their tidy, colorful shelves. My recommendation: check the clearance racks!
By
Andrea
Szyper
Simeone Foundation – The cool car museum
The "Simeone Foundation" Philadelphia is one of the finest private collections of classic cars in the US. This out-of-the-way treasure is a must see...
By
Andrea
Szyper
Hokka Hokka – Too pretty to eat
"Hokka Hokka" in Philadelphia is the sushi bar/restaurant my husband and I start so many of our dates. This balance of tasty and beauty is something else.
By
Andrea
Szyper
Tria – Beer, wine, and cheese Nirvana
"Tria" Philadelphia is my favorite sophisticated yet cozy bar to explore the divine trinity of wine, beer and cheese. Perhaps my favorite is Sunday School.
By
Andrea
Szyper
Night Kitchen – The best bakery in Chestnut Hill
How "Night Kitchen" get its cinnamon rolls to absorb so much butter is one of the great mysteries of Philadelphia. It's my favorite bakery in Chestnut Hill.
By
Andrea
Szyper
Solar Myth – Adventurous Jazz Bar
Besides the packed schedule of shows, they are also a daytime coffee shop that opens its bar at noon. They have a great (rotating) wine selection as well!
By