Renaming the 6000 Block of Spruce Street "Julia Chinn Way", in honor of the life and work of civic leader Julia Chinn.

WHEREAS, Julia Chinn was born Julia Funderburk on July 29, 1928 to the late Creal Funderburk and Callie May Jackson Funderburk in Cheraw, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Following her family’s relocation to Philadelphia, Julia was enrolled in the School District of Philadelphia, and graduated from Simon Gratz High School; and

WHEREAS, On August 27, 1955, Julia married the late Elmer B. Chinn, with whom she had three children, Gail, Vincent, and Brett; and

WHEREAS, For more than 60 years, Julia lived in and served her West Philadelphia Community, serving as President of the 18th Police District Neighborhood Advisory Council, President and Founder of the Cobbs Creek Town Watch Community Organization, and President of the Concerned Block Captains for West and Southwest Philadelphia from 1991 to 2017; and

WHEREAS, Julia also served as an active board member of the Mercy Hospital Board of Governors, and director of the Cobbs Creek Recreational Center Advisory Committee; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Chinn dedicated much of her time to being a civic leader as well, serving as a Democratic Committee Woman in the 3rd Ward, 5th Division for more than 30 years; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Julia decided to expand her dedication to civic leadership by running for State Representative for the 191st District, showcasing her campaign’s dedication to community engagement through the slogan, “sit down with me in Philadelphia, I will stand up for you in Harrisburg”; and

WHEREAS, Her unwavering commitment to supporting her community remained paramount throughout her life, as she sponsored annual Christmas toy giveaways, orchestrated Thanksgiving and Christmas food basket donations, and organized annual summer trips and activities for the children in her neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Was the recipient of several awards in recognition of her dedication to community service, including the Charles Drew West Philadelphia Service Award, “Women Who Make a Difference” award presented by Mayor Michael Nutter, and the Philadelphia Phillies Outstanding Community Service Award; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Chinn leaves behind to cherish her memory and carry her legacy her daughter Gail Chinn, nine grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends; and

WHEREAS, Julia Chinn leaves behind a legacy of leadership, love and respect that will never be forgotten, as the mark she made on her community and Philadelphia at large will live on for decades to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby renames the 6000 block of Spruce Street “Julia Chinn Way”, in honor of the life and work of civic leader Julia Chinn.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Julia Chinn, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

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