Octavius V. Catto was a 19th century civil rights activist, scholar, athlete, and community leader. In September 2017 a coalition of community activists, scholars, and public servants had the joy of dedicating a memorial at City Hall to this local hero, making him the first individual African American to be honored with a statue on public land in Philadelphia.

This February, the Free Library of Philadelphia is proud to collaborate with History Making Productions to bring screenings of their short dramatic documentary, Octavius V. Catto: A Legacy for the 21st Century to neighborhood libraries throughout Philadelphia. Each screening will include workshops or discussions with a rotating cast of experts involved in this celebration of Catto and his achievements.

Join us at the opening event of the series for a panel discussion featuring

• Catto Scholars, Dan Biddle and Murray Dubin, authors of Tasting Freedom: Octavius V. Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America
• Emerita Professor of History at Haverford College, Dr. Emma Lapansky-Werner
• Arthur K. Sudler lay theologian and historian for the African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas

The panel will be moderated by Yaasiyn Muhammad, social studies curriculum specialist for the School District of Philadelphia and co-founder of the Philadelphia Black History Collaborative.

All attendees will receive a free copy of a lush broadsheet newsprint biography, Octavius V. Catto: Remembering a Forgotten Hero, and will have the opportunity to purchase newly released paperback copies of Tasting Freedom: Octavius V. Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America. 

Free RSVP Tickets are available at https://cattopanel.eventbrite.com