As Black History Month begins I want to highlight one of my favorite Philadelphia heroes, a man who is often forgotten in our history books: Octavius V. Catto.

Catto was an educator, an athlete, a major in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and a civil rights activist who worked to integrate Philadelphia and fought for voting rights for African Americans.

During his short lifetime, Catto was a member of numerous civic, political, and literary groups. He was also active in recruiting African Americans to serve in the United States Army.

Here in Philadelphia, Catto started a protest that led to the successful integration of Philadelphia’s horse-drawn streetcars.

The first major Election Day in Philadelphia after the passage of the 15th Amendment occurred in 1871. On that day, Catto cast his ballot and then worked to turn out the African American vote. The day grew violent, as people tried to prevent African Americans from voting. During the riots, Catto was shot and killed.

It wasn’t until I was in my forties that I found out about Catto’s significant contributions to the civil rights movement. I knew this was something I wanted to change, so that all of our children learn about this remarkable man.

For almost a decade, I have been working to help build a statue of Octavius V. Catto on the southwest apron of City Hall. Once built, the statue will pay homage to Catto’s accomplishments and ensure his efforts to expand voting rights for African Americans will never be forgotten. It will also be the first statue on Philadelphia public property dedicated to a single African American.

I’m excited to announce that we will break ground for the statue this summer, and anticipate the statue will be completed by Spring of 2017!