WHEREAS, Wynne Alexander is an investigative journalist, author, third generation civil rights advocate and devoted daughter of Philadelphia who has made compelling and socially significant films; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Wynne has been a warrior in the on-going struggles for civil rights and equal opportunity educations. From the radio, to visual screens and print media, Wynne delivers a message that is relevant on every level and for every person; and
WHEREAS, Wynne Alexander’s creative innovations in broadcast news programming and story exclusives highlight her investigative journalism career at WDAS Radio. Her interviews with hundreds of leaders including Coretta Scott King and Muhammed Ali, always focused on detailing the day’s hard news, speaking Truth to power, creating humane solutions to complex societal questions and developing strategies for making social progress; and
WHEREAS, From her years in the newsroom at WDAS Radio, to her films today, Wynne’s demonstrated devotion to enhancing the quality of education has been part of her life’s endeavors, prompting the Pennsylvania Legislature to commend “her life's work at the intersection of music, civil rights and journalism”; and
WHEREAS, As a founding member and architect of LatinoLines, Wynne worked for Latino American voting rights and helped increase the Latino Caucus in the Pennsylvania Legislature from one member to four; and
WHEREAS, She has worked for years on behalf of education and child advocacy, including documentary productions. In her films,
Rescuing Quality Education for All,
The Lighthouse: Genuine Inspiration from the Nation’s Toughest Streets
and her three films for Turning Points for Children, she created portraits that highlight our children’s talents, their potential, and the need to do more on their behalf; and
WHEREAS, Wynne wrote the first, musically-infused civil rights curriculum in the history of the United States. Her book,
Get It From The Drums,
has been acclaimed by history and music experts. In addition to writing the civil rights history of the mid-20th century, Wynne produced a 15-song CD which accompanies the text. For this pioneering work, she convinced 17 superstars of the recording industry to donate their song recordings, putting music in the classrooms across the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, She also orchestrated a very successful public affairs campaign to fight for quality education in 2013, when the Philadelphia Schools were beset by the worst ‘Doomsday Budget’ cuts from a state capital power structure that did not care; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors Wynne Alexander for her many accomplishments in the fields of journalism, radio, and music and applauding her unwavering dedication to civil rights and her sincere desire to make this country a more equitable place for all.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Wynne Alexander as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia’s gratitude, admiration and recognition.
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