Recognizing and Acknowledging Mothers In Charge, Inc. on the launch of its first publication entitled, "Mothers In Charge, Faces of Courage."

WHEREAS

, Mothers In Charge, Inc. (“Mothers In Charge”) was founded in May 2003 by Dorothy Johnson-Speight and several grieving mothers whose care for our City extends beyond seeking solace after losing a child to the senseless violence that has ravaged our community and this group of women is comprised of impassioned mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters, many of which have experienced the horror of having a son, daughter, or loved one murdered, and are committed to working towards saving lives and preventing other mothers from having to experience this terrible tragedy; and

WHEREAS

, Mothers In Charge is a Philadelphia based non-profit family and community organization that provides support, advocacy, education, and intervention on issues related to violence and its impact on the local community and, six years after its inception, Mothers In Charge has over 300 members and supporters in four chapters including New York and Atlantic City; and

WHEREAS

, The women who work or volunteer under the auspices of Mothers In Charge exemplify the utmost strength and compassion when reaching out to other families affected by violence and through community outreach, engaging dialogue, and grief counseling, these women freely share personal experiences of coping with the loss of their loved ones; and

WHEREAS,

Mothers In Charge now provides an additional means for conveying its message to the community through its recent publication entitled

Mothers In Charge, Faces of Courage

, a newly published literary piece that is an inspirational and compelling collection of members' unique stories, which openly discuss grief and tragedy and illustrate the irreplaceable bond shared between a mother and a child; and

WHEREAS

, This awe-inspiring piece of literature, from which all sale proceeds go to support the life-affirming work of Mothers In Charge, further conveys the power, strength, and courage of these committed women; and

WHEREAS

, Their work to combat violence, encourage other women who have experienced loss, and inspire our youth not to engage in violence is crucial toward preserving our communities and we are forever grateful for Mothers In Charge and their commitment to save Philadelphia's greatest asset, our children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

, That we hereby celebrate, recognize, and honor Mothers In Charge on the occasion of its unveiling of its first literary publication,

Mothers In Charge, Faces of Courage

and for six years of invaluable service to Philadelphia and communities impacted by violence.

FURTHER RESOLVED

, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dorothy Johnson-Speight, President and Co-founder of Mothers In Charge, on behalf of the entire membership of this outstanding organization, as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End

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