WHEREAS, Odath Baker was born on December 6, 1916, one of twelve children, in Georgia. He never completed high school, but managed to make a living as a shoemaker, earning $19 a week in 1942, which he said was pretty good money at that time. Mr. Baker married his lovely wife on his 21st birthday and to their union were born three wonderful children. Mr. Baker is also blessed to have three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Odath Baker and his family moved to North Bailey Street in Philadelphia in 1945. At that time, he was the only African-American homeowner on the block. He was employed for (4) four decades at the Campbell Soup Company and he also worked for 10 years as a Crossing Guard. A pillar of his community, Mr. Baker served as a Committee Person for five years. He was well-known as a political activist and spreading the word to “Get out and vote.”; and
WHEREAS, Having reached this magnificent milestone, Odath Baker now qualifies for official induction into the Centenarian Corps d’Elite, radiating the same charm and warmth that has been his constant companions through 102 birthdays; and
WHEREAS, Odath Baker has lived through times of war and peace, depression, economic recovery, the era of the baby boom, space shuttles and the information highway. In addition, he has been privileged to witness incredible advancements in travel, technology, social change and the election of the first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama; and
WHEREAS, Odath Baker has contributed most significantly during the past 102 years in his own special way as a productive individual, possessing all of those wonderful characteristics that make the world a better place; now
,
therefore be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Mr. Odath Baker on the memorable occasion of his 102nd Birthday and for his stellar voting record here in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Baker as evidence of the true and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End