Honoring Father's Day Rally Committee for its longstanding leadership and dedication to the physical and emotional wellbeing of African-American communities and, particularly, men of color

WHEREAS, The Father’s Day Rally Committee (FDRC) was created over three decades ago by a group of men who saw the need for meaningful programs and activities for the African American male population of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS; The founding members of the FDRC were Bilal Qayyum, Dr. Therman Evans, Rev. Clarence Hester, Rev. Henry Wells, Steve Pina, and Vernon Price; and

WHEREAS, The FDRC’s mission is to teach alternative, positive solutions to harmful challenges, confrontations and situations that adversely impact their families and community. Through programming, community engagement and activism the FDRC aims to promote solutions to meaningless violence; and

WHEREAS, The FDRC help African American males face social, economic, legal, educational, and relationship challenges that hinder them from being responsible, productive male role models. By creating a safe and trusted environment, men learn new life and communication skills that enable them to become accountable to their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Since its creation, the FDRC has created numerous valuable programs, such as the "David P. Richardson, Jr. Rites of Passage Program", which focuses on helping youth with the transition into responsible manhood, and "Operation Footprint," a mentoring program for high school students in Philadelphia's public school system, and

WHEREAS, The organization has and continues to hold and sponsor peace marches and rallies to stop senseless murders and other acts of violence in Philadelphia. Their "Project Safe Life" offers counseling to at-risk males, teaching non-violent alternatives to confrontational behavior and providing support to men and fathers who have lost a loved one due to violence; and

WHEREAS, Each year the FDCR recognizes and honors fathers and men who contribute great effort to their families and the community at an Annual Fatherhood Awards Reception, now in its 25th year; and

WHEREAS, The FDCR’s valuable work supporting African American youth and fathers is helping to end cycles of violence and gives support to numerous families for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize

Father’s Day Rally Committee for its longstanding leadership and dedication to the physical and emotional wellbeing of African-American communities and, particularly, men of color

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution is presented to Bilal Quayyum, of the Father's Day Rally Committee as an expression of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End