WHEREAS, Rasheed Wallace is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Simon Gratz High School. Over the years, he has demonstrated a significant commitment to starting a movement to improve the health and socioeconomic conditions of African Americans in urban areas; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace is extremely talented, as an NBA Champion, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Famer and 16-year NBA veteran. He has consistently used his opportunities and successes for good, giving money and more; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, he drove a truck over 700 miles to deliver cases of water to Flint, Michigan residents and personally delivered house to house potable water. This sparked a plea written in the Player’s Tribune to raise more awareness. He became an advocate for more federal assistance programs to help solve the water crisis in Flint by appearing on national news outlets; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Wallace has invested back in the community he came from and rebuilt the gymnasium at Simon Gratz High School. He hosted free basketball camps in Philadelphia and every city that he played in during his career, giving away thousands of sneakers and meals. He provided additional recreational outlets to underprivileged children in Philadelphia, District of Columbia, Portland, Durham, NC, New York, and Detroit; and
WHEREAS, He consistently uses his voice to amplify the causes that he’s passionate about. He traveled across the county to participate in rallies, panels and even street corners to bring about systemic change; and
WHEREAS, Rasheed Wallace’s philanthropic efforts have changed lives for the better. He’s the type of person that communities need. His contributions have been extremely generous and his dedication to youth is truly embodied in his dedication to his former high school and hometown of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Also renames the 3900 block of N 17th Street in front of Gratz High School in Huntington Park “Rasheed Wallace Road”, to honor Rasheed Wallace, a philanthropist, former NBA player, and entrepreneur.
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