Honoring and commending d'Zert Club for their work with youth through Teen Summit 1000.

WHEREAS, d'Zert Club was founded in 1992 by entertainment attorney Helen McCrary Giddiens with the help of Philip A. Salahuddin and DJ Jazzy Jeff Townes; and

WHEREAS, During its history, the d'Zert Club has specialized in producing positive entertainment and cultural events for elementary, middle and high school students; and

WHEREAS, Through the hard work of Attorney McCrary Giddiens, and General Manager Salahuddin, d'Zert Club has grown to over 25,000 members, making it the world's largest and fastest growing African-American youth organization of its kind; and

WHEREAS, In 1997, d'Zert Club launched Teen Summit 1000, a two year educational and cultural program for African-American youth which helps them develop an understanding and awareness of the African experience in America; and

WHEREAS, After completing two years of learning through classes, seminars, and field trips, and provided that they maintain at least a "C" average in school, the students are rewarded with an all expenses paid trip to Africa; and

WHEREAS, Students have traveled to Senegal, Gambia, Ghana, and Egypt due to their participation in Teen Summit 1000; and

WHEREAS, Most of the youth who participate in the program would never have the opportunity to visit these historic countries and immerse themselves in the culture of their ancestors if the Teen Summit 1000 program did not exist; and

WHEREAS, d’Zert Club through the Teen Summit 1000 program truly lives up to its motto: "It is better to build a child than to repair an adult"; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend d'Zert Club for their work with youth through Teen Summit 1000.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of d'Zert Club as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End