WHEREAS, Ms. Oglesby
was born in Montezuma, Georgia, as the oldest of ten children. As the eldest child in her family, she worked with her mother to help raise her siblings. This experience helped to instill the importance of family in her
; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Oglesby had eight children of her own, two with her first husband, Dan Tookes, and six with her second husband, Oscar P. Oglesby; and
WHEREAS, In 1958 Ms. Oglesby and her family moved from Georgia to West Philadelphia in a neighborhood known as “Black Bottom” a place where many African Americans migrated to during the 1930s-1950s; and
WHEREAS, For many years, Ms. Oglesby worked hard as a cook and housekeeper in other people’s homes, and through her labors she was able to buy a house for her family at 5043 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, fulfilling her long time dream of owning her own home; and
WHEREAS, In the hopes of bettering her community, Ms. Oglesby helped to establish the Dunlap Community Center, at the corner of 51st and Arch Streets; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Oglesby hoped that the Dunlap Community Center would be a family environment for the community where people could come and enjoy various services such as: having a place for children to play and a place where adults could come and find employment; and
WHEREAS, During her time in West Philadelphia, Ms Ogelsby’s home was always open to others and she made everyone feel at home with her greetings, food and wisdom. Every morning for more than 40 years she would provide words of encouragement to all those who walked by her home; and
WHEREAS, She came to be known as “Big Momma” for all who knew her and lived in her neighborhood. Sadly she died on Friday, December 26, 2014. However, she has left a legacy of love that still continues to ripple through her community even after she is gone; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Philadelphia City Council, Hereby adds Mary L. Oglesby to the street sign on the block intersection of 50th Street and Arch Street in recognition of Ms. Mary L. Oglesby’s tremendous service and contributions to West Philadelphia community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mary L. Oglesby as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s gratitude and recognition.
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