WHEREAS, Malcolm Jenkins, Safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, has spent his time off the field focusing on ways to help strengthen the broken relationship between police and members of the African American Community by advocating for criminal justice reform measures; and
WHEREAS, Jenkins’ advocacy efforts include traveling to Washington, D.C. to use his platform as an athlete to send a message to Congress that criminal justice reform should be a priority; and
WHEREAS, The demand to reform our flawed criminal justice system is so important to Jenkins, that he and two other teammates, Torrei Smith and Chris Long, traveled to Harrisburg to meet with legislators. The three are part of the Player’s Coalition whose mission is to improve the relationship between the community and the police; and
WHEREAS, Jenkins has thrown his support behind the creation of a “Clean Slate” Act in the State of Pennsylvania, which would automatically seal non-violent misdemeanor convictions after 10 years for those who haven’t committed another crime since; and
WHEREAS, Jenkins has also worked with local law enforcement by participating in ride-along outings with the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as touring a local correctional facility to speak with inmates; and
WHEREAS, Most recently, The Washington Post published an editorial piece written by Jenkins, in which the Eagles star reiterated that conversations about racism are difficult, but necessary. Jenkins believes that urgent attention should be given to the issues and the work still needed, such as changing the cash-bail system for cities and states across the country; and
WHEREAS, With his personal connection to the issue, Jenkins uses his platform as an athlete to advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities and speaks out to inform the public of those who are negatively impacted by the criminal justice system; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
That it hereby recognizes and honors Philadelphia Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins for helping to reform the criminal justice system.
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Malcolm Jenkins as further evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End