WHEREAS, FDRC celebrates 25 years of service to Philadelphia fathers; and
WHEREAS, 1 in 3 African American men will go to jail within their lifetime, over 40% of African Americans make up the male population in prison and 53% of African American children live in single parent homes; and
WHEREAS, The FDRC serves as a strong support system for men and fathers, particularly African-Americans, helping them to flourish despite the daily pressures. The FDRC is committed to reducing violence in our communities by advocating positive interaction among men to help target the negative attitudes that contributes to the destruction of families and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, FDRC initiated several programs designed to foster interaction between African American males and the community including Father's Fed Up, an initiative to offer counseling to at-risk males, teaching non-violent alternatives to confrontational behavior and support to men and fathers who have lost a loved one due to violence; and
WHEREAS, FDCR The David P. Richardson Rites of Passage Program which caters to African American males ages 11-18. The program focuses on helping youth with the transition into responsible manhood; and
WHEREAS, Each year FDCR recognizes and honors fathers and men who contribute great effort to their families and the community at an Annual Fatherhood Awards Reception, now in its 17th year; and
WHEREAS, The 17th annual Fatherhood Award Reception will feature honorary chair, the legendary Dr. William Bill Cosby on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at the First District Plaza located at 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Father's Day weeklong celebration will include a Father's Photo Shoot; a film screening of a documentary titled, Spit'in Anger: Venom of a Fatherless Son; and an annual All-Star Softball Game. Father's Day Week will conclude with the 25th Annual Father's Day Picnic at Belmont Picnic Grove in the Fourth Councilmanic District; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors the Father's Day Rally Committee Inc. for its initiatives to promote positive images of African American men and fathers in our communities and to improve outcomes for African American males and families.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That June 8-15, 2014 shall be designated Father's Day Week in the City of Philadelphia celebrated with a week filled with community events, including the Father's Day Rally Committee, Inc. Annual Fatherhood Award Reception.
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