Also naming the 5200 through the 5300 blocks of Vine Street as "Crystal Bird Fauset Way" in recognition of her many accomplishments and for tireless leadership in advancing the rights of black people everywhere.

WHEREAS,

Crystal Bird Fauset was born on June 11, 1893 in Princess Anne, Maryland as the second youngest of nine children to Portia and Benjamin Oliver Bird, the founders of Princess Anne Academy, which is known as today as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore

; and

WHEREAS,

In 1899, after the death of her mother, Ms. Bird Fauset relocated to Boston, Massachusetts to live with her aunt, Lucy Groves. There she attended integrated public schools, and in 1914, she graduated from Boston Normal School. In 1931, she received her B.S. from Teacher’s College at Columbia University

; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bird Fauset was a New York Public School teacher from 1914-1918. From 1918-1927 she went on to serve as a field secretary for the National Board of the Young Women’s Christian Association (TWCA), where she became more involved in activism concerning the black community and the advancement of African American rights; and

WHEREAS,

In 1927, as an active member of American Friends Service Committee, Ms. Bird Fauset made 210 public appearances to majority white audiences, where she aimed to increase understanding between white people and people of color

; and

WHEREAS,

In 1931, Ms. Bird Fauset married educator and civil rights activist Arthur Huff Fauset. They resided together at 5403 Vine Street in West Philadelphia

; and

WHEREAS, In 1938, Ms. Bird Fauset was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 18th District of Pennsylvania. She was the first African American woman to be elected as a state legislator. Even though her District was primarily white at the time, she overcame challenges and was able to win the victory. During her time in the State House she focused on issues dealing with public health, housing for those in poverty, and women’s workplace rights; and

WHEREAS, Through her time in the state legislator she developed a friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt which led to her securing a position as Assistant Director and Race Relations Director of the Office of Civil Defense; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bird Fauset was a member of President Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet” that promoted civil rights for African Americans; and

WHEREAS, During the 1950s, Ms. Bird Fauset expanded her passions globally and made many trips to Africa, India and the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, Crystal Bird Fauset lived her life being a voice for the black community both domestically and internationally. She was a woman ahead of her time, who devoted her energy fighting for a cause she deeply believed in, the advancement of black people everywhere;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Philadelphia City Council, hereby also names the 5200 and the 5300 block of Vine Street as “Crystal Bird Fauset Way” in recognition of her many accomplishments and for tireless leadership in advancing the rights of black people everywhere.

FURTHER RESOLVED,That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Crystal Bird Fauset as a sincere expression of the Philadelphia City Council’s gratitude and recognition.

End