WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Andy Jenkins has devoted sixty years of his life to serving the Mantua community; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Jenkins began his commitment to service in 1961 with the Cub Scouts Pack 422 at what is now known as Mantua Square. In 1964, he served as Vice President of the Young Great Society, an organization he formed with Herman Wrice to create opportunities for youth; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Jenkins cofounded, and in 1965 was elected president of, Mantua Community Planners, Inc. (MCP), a corporation dedicated to community development. Under his leadership, MCP flourished, and was a pillar of the Mantua community; and
WHEREAS, During Rev. Dr. Jenkins’ tenure, among other things, MCP led planning for urban renewal programs, renovated and built over 350 houses, secured jobs for local residents, organized large scale community clean-ups, delivered Christmas presents to families in need, operated a health center and dental office, and created and ran youth programs. MCP was a vital force for good during a time when Mantua battled gangs and drug use; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Jenkins partnered with government on many occasions to bring resources to the Mantua community. He worked with the City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department to build three new recreation centers in the Mantua, and partnered with Mayor Frank Rizzo to secure funds for the Mount Vernon Manor Apartments; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Jenkins worked for the City of Philadelphia for thirty three years under six mayors (Mayor James Tate, Mayor Frank Rizzo, Mayor Bill Green, Mayor Wilson Goode Sr., Mayor Ed Rendell and Mayor John Street). Under Mayor Goode, Reverend Jenkins served as Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, and under Mayor Rendell, he served as a Deputy Mayor for Housing. Over his career with the City, Rev. Dr. Jenkins took on a variety of responsibilities, including participating in the oversight of large projects like the Convention Center and the Gallery, and directing residential relocations for the Redevelopment Authority, including in connection with the MOVE bombing and the expansion of the airport; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Jenkins is enshrined as a neighborhood hero at Morton McMichael Elementary School, and in 2019 the school’s auditorium was renamed in his and his late wife’s honor. Rev. Dr. Jenkins is known as the “Mayor of Mantua”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 3600 Block of Haverford Avenue is also named “Rev. Dr. Andy Jenkins Way”.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Rev. Dr. Andy Jenkins as a sincere expression of the gratitude and recognition of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
End