Recognizing and honoring the Father's Day Rally Committee, Inc. on its efforts and initiatives that have positively impacted the quality of life of African American communities and men of color in the City of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region.

WHEREAS, The Father’s Day Rally Committee was created two and a half decades ago by a group of African American men who saw the need to develop positive programs and activities for the African American male population of the City. The founding members were Dr. Therman Evans, Rev. Clarence Hester, Steve Pina, Vernon Price, Bilal Qayyum and Rev. Henry Wells; and

WHEREAS, Since its creation, the Father’s Day Rally Committee has initiated several valuable programs, including the Davis P. Richard, Jr. Rites of Passage Program, a manhood training project for young males, and Operation Footprint, a program for high school students; and

WHEREAS, The organization has also coordinated several events, including a Peace Campaign, which was a citywide anti-violence effort to stop the senseless killing in the City of Philadelphia. Additionally, the organization has an annual Father’s Day Picnic, celebrating fatherhood and honoring fathers who are making a significant contribution to their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Father’s Day Picnic will be on Sunday, June 19, 2016. It will be an all day, outdoor celebration held at Belmont Picnic Grove in Fairmount Park. The picnic will be a fun day with the 6th Annual Jackie Robinson, Jr. / Roberto Clemente Unity Softball game between men from the African American and Latino community

;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors the Father’s Day Rally Committee, Inc. on its efforts and initiatives that have positively impacted the quality of life of African American communities and men of color in the City of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region.

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