Recognizing and honoring Dorothy Johnson-Speight for twenty-Ffive years of humanitarian service.

WHEREAS, Recognizing Dorothy Johnson-Speight, founder of Mothers-in-Charge, for her twenty-five years of unwavering humanitarian support and tireless effort to provide children and families with the rights they deserve; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Johnson-Speight was recognized by

The Philadelphia Inquirer

as their 2013 Citizen of the Year, by the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the 75 Greatest Living Philadelphians, and by

The Philadelphia Tribune

as one of Philadelphia's Most Influential African-American Leaders, with each highlighting her ability to help other women come to terms with the sorrow of losing a child to violence; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as one of the most highly regarded family rights organizations in America, Mothers-in-Charge has been at the forefront of violence prevention since its inception; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2003, Mothers-in-Charge is a grassroots organization working to deter violence through education, faith and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Mothers-in-Charge participates in proactive intervention with children, young adults, families and community organizations; and

WHEREAS, Mothers-in-Charge core values of education, youth, faith-based and community spirit, and caring therapy have helped transform Philadelphia's juvenile offender's cognitive skills; and

WHEREAS, In conjunction with Philadelphia's correctional facilities, Mothers-in-Charge works to help impending returning citizens with the development of pro-social and proper decision making abilities, violence prevention and laying the groundwork for re-entry back into their communities; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Johnson-Speight's organization has been extended to other cities and states, which has allowed her to aid children and their families dealing with their grief all across the nation; and

WHEREAS, A passionate advocate for the rights of children and family, Ms. Johnson-Speight has collaborated with school districts, youth and faith-based communities, and the government to expand her reach; and

WHEREAS, A proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ms. Johnson-Speight embodies her Sorority's mission of service, leadership, communities, and empowerment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize and honor Dorothy Johnson-Speight for her twenty-five years of humanitarian service.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dorothy Johnson-Speight as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End