Celebrating and Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tommie W. St. Hill, Sr. for his for his activism, civic engagement and service to the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Tommie W. St. Hill, Sr. was born on June 24, 1952, a native son of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Mr. St. Hill attended Jefferson Elementary School, Penn Treaty Junior High, and Benjamin Franklin High School. After obtaining his diploma he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a scout sniper and was awarded a Purple Heart; and

WHEREAS, After being honorably discharged, Mr. St. Hill enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia, where he obtained an Associate’s Degree, and immediately matriculated to Temple University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Journalism. During his time at Temple University, Mr. St. Hill hosted a university radio show, covering the injustices of the surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. St. Hill embarked on a career in journalism, starting as a reporter for the

Philadelphia Journal

, and later as an investigative beat reporter at the Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest African-American newspaper in the United States. Mr. St. Hill’s investigative reporting included hard-hitting stories affecting Philadelphia culminating in his award-winning series on the Philadelphia Junior Black Mafia and the MOVE organization. Mr. St. Hill’s activism extended beyond the stories he reported, however, as he played a major role in the unionization of the

Tribune

’s workforce. It was also at the

Tribune

that Mr. St. Hill developed a special bond with then Councilmember Lucien E. Blackwell; and

WHEREAS, Mr. St. Hill continued to serve the residents of Philadelphia and United States in his role as the Director of Communications and Special Advisor to Lucien E. Blackwell when he successfully ran for Congress. Mr. St. Hill and Congressman Blackwell remained close friends and confidants until his passing in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Following his congressional career, Mr. St. Hill became the CEO and executive director of St. Hill & Associates, and led it to become the largest African-American-owned debt collection agency in the country. His clients included Philadelphia Gas Works, Philadelphia Water Department, Bell Atlantic and the U.S. Department of Education. Mr. St. Hill continued his business interests by establishing RCS consulting, where he lobbied on behalf of causes and organizations, helping to shape every level of government; and

WHEREAS, Mr. St. Hill’s passion for activism and politics is only bested by the love for his family. Mr. St. Hill as married to Jetta, the love of his life and the father to eight children, Tanya, Tommie M., Ikenya, Anwar, Rashala, Jenai, Tommie, Jr. and Timothy. Mr. St. Hill was also a proud grandfather to seventeen grandchildren and great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren;now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that we celebrate, honor, and recognize on his service to Philadelphia and the United States, and express heartfelt condolences to his family.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Tommie St. Hill, Sr., further evidencing the sincere respect of this legislative body.

End