WHEREAS, Samuel L. Evans was born in the Deep South of humble beginnings, the son of a freed slave. He moved to Philadelphia in his late teens. He took a job as a porter at the old Stark Piano Company, and from that position his exposure to classical music began. He became a world-class Impresario, managing the Philadelphia Orchestra and forming the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra Society; and
WHEREAS, Samuel L. Evans has held many positions in his lifetime. Under President Franklin Roosevelt, he served as coordinator of the U.S. Division of Physical Fitness to aid the war effort. His appointment as Czar of the War on Poverty by President Lyndon Johnson was the stepping stone Mr. Evans needed to organize Philadelphia’s “Get Set” and “Head Start” program and the Community Legal Services. In 1968, Mr. Evans founded AFNA (American Foundation for Negro Affairs). This organization has been very successful in assisting disadvantaged students to attend college and pursue professional careers; and
WHEREAS, Although Samuel L. Evan’s 103rd birthday is tomorrow, he shows no sign of slowing down or even eliminating any of the dozens of activities and programs which have made him a legend in Philadelphia and throughout this country. He has been an advocate for democracy and equal justice for over seventy-five years, and an advocate for fair labor laws and unions for over fifty years. He continues to strive to make the world a better place for all; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Evans’ achievements are many. He organized the Philadelphia caravan of 42,000 citizens to Dr. King’s March on Washington, and the Philadelphia contingent was the largest in the entire country; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Evans is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. We have deep affection for this unique Philadelphia treasure; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Mr. Samuel L. Evans on the occasion of his one hundredth and third birthday.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Samuel L. Evans as evidence of the sincere respect and deep admiration of this legislative body.
End