WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) is an organization located in Philadelphia, with the goal of empowering communities. PLSE has done outstanding work in preventing communities of color from being burdened by criminal records; and
WHEREAS, PLSE has pushed for advancement in the social and economic aspects of communities, which in turn allows for growth and development. This organization has helped communities by giving those in need the chance to thrive; and
WHEREAS, PLSE pushes back against inequalities and gives hope and light back to communities. This is done by providing free legal service and representation to Philadelphia residents who are not being given the opportunity to reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Three civil rights attorneys started PLSE a decade ago in response to the harm caused in communities of color by criminal records. From their first clinic 10 years ago, which was held in a church basement, to their current weekly clinics with community partners all over the City, it has always been their mission to help people become free from the limitations posed by their criminal records, which all too often prevent them from obtaining the jobs, housing, or other opportunities for which they are otherwise qualified; and
WHEREAS, In September 2021, PLSE passed two huge milestones simultaneously. They marked 10 years since PLSE was officially incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. They also filed their 25,000th expungement petition on behalf of low-income Philadelphians seeking to move beyond the barriers posed by their criminal records; and
WHEREAS, When people are shackled by their criminal records, entire communities suffer. PLSE allows for redemption among individuals who are being treated unjustly, and in turn, this helps uplifts communities and allow members of these community to prosper; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity Organization on the special occasion of its 10th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity Organization as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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