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The Mann Salutes the Legacy of Philadelphia Community Activist Mel Dorn
Philadelphia has lost one of its great champions for social justice. Mel Dorn (January 5, 1945-July 21, 2014) grew up in North Philadelphia and participated in the NAACP protests that led to the integration of Girard College between 1965 and 1968. Mr. Dorn worked closely with Philadelphia chapter NAACP President Cecil B. Moore, a pioneering activist in this community, and made it his life's mission to carry forth the Moore legacy of fighting for equal rights.
In April of this year, Mr. Dorn was to have served as a distinguished panelist for the Mann's "Let Freedom Ring" scholarly panel discussion, a community forum on civil rights presented in partnership with the Charles Blockson Collection, Temple University, and 900AM WURD as part of the Mann's Philadelphia Freedom Festival. He was unable to attend due to illness.
In the spirit of Octavius V. Catto, the 19th century Philadelphia freedom fighter whose legacy has been the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Freedom Festival, the Mann salutes the lifetime achievements of Mel Dorn and joins the community in mourning his loss.
For an oral history interview of Mel Dorn, visit this Temple University link:
For more info on The Philadelphia Freedom Festival, visit www.manncenter.org/philadelphia-freedom-festival.
Photo credit: ELIZABETH ROBERTSON/Staff Photographer/The Philadelphia Inquirer