Honoring Mr. Charles L. Blockson.

WHEREAS, Mr. Charles L. Blockson, a native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, is held in highest esteem throughout this region, and he is truly a citizen of the world, having traveled extensively and earned the respect of historians and art professionals everywhere; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Blockson's contributions to our City are immeasurable. He is a founder of the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, former President of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, founding member of the Pennsylvania Black History Committee and author of twelve books; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Mr. Blockson, an internationally noted bibliophile, donated his collection to Temple University, and he is now curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. His collection now contains approximately 150,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts, prints, drawings, sheet music, posters and artifacts. For this work and more, he has earned honorary doctorates from Villanova University, Lincoln University and Holy Family College; and

WHEREAS, In April, Mr. Blockson received the prestigious Founders' Day Award for Historical Documentation from the Pennsylvania Historical Society. He has also chaired the Black Writers' Conference in Paris, and received awards and tributes too numerous to list. In 1990, a bronze bust of Mr. Blockson was presented to Temple University from the celebrated sculptor Antonio Salemme. In all ways, this active and enthusiastic gentleman has enhanced the study of Black history, art and culture, and he has enriched our City in countless ways; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Mr. Charles L. Blockson.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution by presented to Mr. Charles L. Blockson as evidence of the deep respect and sincere admiration of this Legislative Body.

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