Authorizing and directing the change of the McPherson Square Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, located at 601 E. Indiana Avenue to "The Coretta Scott King Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia".

WHEREAS, Coretta Scott King was one of the most influential women leaders in our world today; and

WHEREAS, she was prepared by her family, education, and personality for a life committed to social justice and peace; and

WHEREAS, she entered the world stage in 1955 as wife of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and as a leading participant in the American Civil Rights Movement; and

WHEREAS, her remarkable partnership with Dr. King resulted not only in four talented children, but in a life devoted to the highest values of human dignity in service to social change; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. King traveled throughout our nation and world speaking out on behalf of racial and economic justice, women's and children's rights, gay and lesbian dignity, religious freedom, the needs of the poor and homeless, full-employment, health care, educational opportunities, nuclear disarmament and ecological sanity; and

WHEREAS, in her distinguished and productive career, she has lent her support to democracy movements world-wide and served as a consultant to many world leaders, including Corazon Aquino, Kenneth Kaunda, and Nelson Mandela; and

WHEREAS, in appreciation of the late Coretta Scott King’s service to civil rights and human rights, we honor her memory and would like to see her name and memory honored on an institution that perpetuates knowledge as did her life’s work, through example; now therefore

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1.

The McPherson Square Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia located at 601 E. Indiana Avenue is hereby named and designated “The Coretta Scott King Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia”.

SECTION 2.

Any Ordinance inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed.

SECTION 3.

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

End