Recognizing February 7, 2004 as ASPIRA Day.

WHEREAS, ASPIRA was founded in 1969 by a group of concerned leaders who believed that the most effective way to combat the socio-economic ills that afflict the Puerto Rican community is to educate its youth; and

WHEREAS, ASPIRA has been an advocate with a consistent focus on the importance of the education of the youth of the Latino community in the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, ASPIRA's mission is to empower the Puerto Rican and Latino community through advocacy and the education and leadership development of its youth; and

WHEREAS, ASPIRA has gone to great lengths to ensure the Puerto Rican youth are aware and knowledgeable of the Puerto Rican culture and traditions; and

WHEREAS, ASPIRA's success has been demonstrated in the more than twenty thousand Aspirantes who are now contributing to their community; and

WHEREAS, ASPIRA is celebrating thirty-five years of dedicated and passionate service to the Puerto Rican and Latino community of Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That we honor ASPIRA, INC. of Pennsylvania for its commitment and dedication to the Latino Community in Philadelphia and to the citizens of Philadelphia; and

FURTHER RESOVLED, That the City Council of Philadelphia recognize February 7, 2004 as ASPIRA Day; and

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution shall be presented to ASPIRA, INC. of Pennsylvania as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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