Honoring and recognizing the Father's Day Rally Committee, Inc. (FDRC) for promoting positive fatherhood and male development programs for African Americans across Philadelphia and the nation for 25 years and celebrating "Father's Day Week" from June 8-15, 2014 with a week filled with community events, including the Annual Fatherhood Award Reception.

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.

End