WHEREAS, Paul Robeson contributed significantly to Philadelphia, and the world, through his activism and his work as an artist, performing in plays such as All God's Chillun Got Wings and Showboat; and
WHEREAS, The West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (WPCA), founded by Frances Aulston in 1984, has restored Paul Robeson's Philadelphia home and established a community center with the purpose of keeping his legacy alive as well as helping to further his ideals through arts programs; and
WHEREAS, The Paul Robeson House reaches out to the community of West Philadelphia by organizing and supporting offsite programs and projects that teach of Paul Robeson and his legacy; and
WHEREAS, The Paul Robeson house supports local arts and champions the power of the arts to promote social and economic growth; and
WHEREAS, The WPCA not only educates about Paul Robeson and promotes his ideals of tolerance, but also stresses the importance of historic preservation for the good of future generations; and
WHEREAS, The Paul Robeson House is renowned as an important historic site, having been recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission and the National Register; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center and honor Frances Aulston for her dedication to the legacy of Paul Robeson and the potential of the arts to push society forward.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Frances Aulston as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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