Honoring Mr. Bilal Abdul Qayyum on the occasion of his 60th birthday and for his committed, long time dedicated service to the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Bilal Abdul Qayyum, an active participant in Philadelphia city government for close to four decades has helped enrich the lives of citizens, and has made a lasting contribution by assisting countless young African American males while mentoring them to strive for success; and

WHEREAS, Beginning his career in Philadelphia circa 1979, Mr. Qayyum oversaw the

Haddington Leadership Organization, Inc.,

a community based multi-purpose organization in West Philadelphia, serving in the capacity of Director; and

WHEREAS, Continuing to have a profound effect on Philadelphia, he entered city government working as the Director of Community and Youth Employment Programs in the

Office of Housing and Community Development

, and after working in the

Office of Housing

, he furthered his experiences at the

Philadelphia Citywide Development Corporation

; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his professional career, Mr. Qayyum has done extensive service through his appointments to community advisory committees and boards in the public and private sectors specializing in housing, youth job development, economic development and social programs; and

WHEREAS, Civically he is the President and Executive Director of the

Father’s Day Rally Committee, Inc.,

co-chair for

Men United for a Better Philadelphia,

and a founding member of the

African American Chamber of Commerce

, and his community involvement spanning the last twenty-five years is witnessed in his dedication and participation with

Carroll Park Community Council, Philadelphia Council of Neighborhood Organizations, Youth Employment Coalition,

and as mainstay with

West/Southwest Community Action Council,

another group for which he shares responsibility since its inception; and

WHEREAS, He has facilitated lectures to familiarize Philadelphians on various minority business issues, which ultimately led to Mr. Qayyum co-organizing the first

Minority Enterprise Development Week

celebration in the city; and

WHEREAS, He recently helped lead a rally to Harrisburg, on the most pressing issue facing our city; gun control, by walking over one-hundred miles with members from

Men United for a Better Philadelphia

, at the youthful age of 59; and

WHEREAS, Currently Mr. Qayyum, proud husband to Tamara, father to their two sons and three daughters, grandfather of eight grandchildren, is professionally still employed by the city in his role of Economic Development Administrator for the Department of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Mr. Bilal Abdul Qayyum on the occasion of his 60th Birthday for his outstanding achievements, accomplishments, and good will over the years.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Bilal Abdul Qayyum as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End