WHEREAS, Earlier this year, Representative Roebuck returned to his alma matter, University of Virginia (“UVA”), to be the keynote speaker at a symposium called “Engagement From Experience, a Fifty Year Look”; and
WHEREAS, A native of Philadelphia, Representative Roebuck has always been in the political world. He grew up in a politically active church, volunteered with the NAACP, and served as the Student Council President at his undergraduate institution, Virginia Union University; and
WHEREAS, In the 1969-70 academic year, while completing his doctorate studies at UVA, Representative Roebuck became the first African American student to be elected as the President of UVA Student Council; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as President, Representative Roebuck had many notable achievements, including the organization of the “May Days” Vietnam war protests, helping the University prepare for its first coeducational entering class, and fighting for students’ demands to have a living wage for University employees; and
WHEREAS, Even after 50 years, Representative Roebuck’s accomplishments have remained significant and have become prominent in the UVA lore. Many students on campus know about Representative Roebuck’s time at UVA and some have even learned about him in their classes; and
WHEREAS, Representative Roebuck’s historic election helped pave the way for other African American students at UVA to pursue the same goal. Running at a time when the lingering effects of Jim Crow were still very present in the South, Representative Roebuck serves as a reminder that marginalized communities can rise up and have a strong voice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes and honors State Representative James Roebuck on his 50-year Anniversary of his appointment as the first black Student Council President at University of Virginia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Representative Roebuck as a sincere expression of the Council of the City of Philadelphia’s gratitude, admiration and recognition.
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