WHEREAS, Eugene ‘Gene’ Lett,’ Sr., was born in West Philadelphia on May 18, 1969, and was a graduate of Parkway Center City High School; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Parkway, Gene attended Cheyney University, earning a Bachelor’s degree; and
WHEREAS, Gene also obtained a Master’s degree from Lincoln University, graduating with his son, Gene Lett, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Gene dedicated his life to youth empowerment, and helped shape a generation of young people through the creation of the “Degree Chasing” program; and
WHEREAS, Degree Chasing was created to encourage his players to pursue basketball at the collegiate level for the educational opportunities, as well as sports; and
WHEREAS, Gene spent countless hours of his time pouring into his community at the A.W. Christy Recreation Center, leading anti-violence and youth empowerment programs, and continued that work in his role as president of the Christy Recreation Center Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, Eugene ‘Gene’ Lett, Sr., was a role model, mentor, and beloved coach whose sudden loss has left a void in the Cobbs Creek community where he spent his life, but his positive impact on his community and beyond will be felt for years to come; and
WHEREAS, Gene is survived by his wife, Andrea, eleven children and fifteen grandchildren, who will cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of youth empowerment and community engagement; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby renames the 5500 block of Christian Street “Gene Lett Way,” to honor the life and work of activist and community leader Eugene ‘Gene’ Lett, Sr.
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