Recognizing the Basil and Becky Educational Foundation for their work to honor and acknowledge African American women who served the country during World War II as "Rosie the Riveters," and for their participation in the documentary film Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II.

WHEREAS,

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II

tells the story of African American “Rosie the Riveters”- the first

African American

women to work in industry and United States Government administrative service-and their battles against racism and gender discrimination in America and fascism abroad; and

WHEREAS, The African American “Rosie the Riveters” shown in

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II

are: Alice Amaro, Bernice Bowman, Birdia Bush, Gwendolyn Faison, Willie Mae Govan, Dorothy I. Height, Susan King, Marian Reid, and Ruth Wilson; and

WHEREAS, The Basil and Becky Educational Foundation is sponsor of the

Invisible Warriors

project. The Foundation is part of the legacy of U.S. Navy Veteran, Basil Spaulding Jones and his sister, a World War II “Rosie,” Ethel “Becky” Cooke; and

WHEREAS, Gregory S. Cooke, the Founder and President of the Basil and Becky Educational Foundation, is dedicated to educating current and future generations through audio visual storytelling that illuminates the cultural and historical experiences and contributions of African Americans and peoples of African descent to human history and progress; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that we hereby recognize the Basil and Becky Educational Foundation for its work to honor and acknowledge the 600,000 African American women who patriotically supported the United States of America and the Armed Forces during World War II, and for their participation in the documentary film

Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II

.

End