Also naming the 2100 block of N. 56th Street as "Will Smith, Sr. Way" in honor of the late father of comedian and actor, Will Smith, to commemorate his life and service to the West Philadelphia Community.

WHEREAS, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. was a native of the City of Philadelphia, raising his family in the Wynnefield section of West Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. had six children—Pam Cephas, Pam Smith, Harry Smith, Ellen Smith, Ashley Smith and famous comedian and actor, Will Smith, Jr. Willard Smith, Sr. also has three grandchildren—Will “Trey” III, Jaden and Willow; and

WHEREAS, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. While there, he studied heating and refrigeration. When he returned from the military, Smith opened his own business named “ACRAC,” which thrived as an ice and HVAC company. Through this business, Smith was able to employ many members of his community; and

WHEREAS, Aside from being a successful businessman, Willard Smith also educated members of his community about the importance of civic engagement.

As a co-founder of Partners For Civic Pride (PFCP), Smith worked diligently to promote the motto on our civic flag, “Philadelphia Maneto,” “Let Brotherly Love Continue.” It became a cherished tradition every year at PFCP’s Flag Day celebration for Smith to read his “Pledge to Philadelphia,” urging our citizens to live by the values also represented on the City’s flag: peace, hope, justice and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. also possessed many creative and artistic talents. He was the co-author of the novel “The Waymor,” and was the music producer and founder of “Philly Through My Ear”; and

WHEREAS, Willard Carroll Smith passed away on November 7, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of

community service and leadership

; now, therefore

,

be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the dedicated service of Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. to the City of Philadelphia is honored and the 2100 block of N. 56th Street shall henceforth also be known as “Will Smith

,

Sr. Way

.

”

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willard Carroll Smith, Sr. as evidence of the sincere respect and appreciation of this legislative body.

End