Renaming the 2800 block of North 22nd Street to "Willie Seward Way", to recognize, honor, and celebrate the life and legacy of Willie Seward for his dedication to the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Willie Seward was born in Warren County, North Carolina on June 10, 1928 to the late Rebecca and Jacob Seward. He is the youngest of seven children. Willie was Baptized at the Burchette Chapel Christian Church. He attended elementary school in Oine County and graduated from Warren County Training School in Wise, North Carolina in 1946; and

WHEREAS, In 1948 Willie Seward came to Philadelphia to live with his sister. Shortly after he was drafted into the Army and served until he was honorably discharged on October 15, 1951; and

WHEREAS, In 1952 Willie Seward married his late wife, Beatrice, and from that union they were blessed with two daughters, Denise Gause and Vandelyn Davis; and

WHEREAS, Willie Seward was employed by the City of Philadelphia in 1955 and was elected President of Local #427 from 1962-1965. During this time he became a full-time Real Estate Sale Associate and started his own Real Estate business. He furthered his expertise in this field by studying Real Estate Appraisal and Law & Ethics at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Willie Seward served as Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee from 1984-1987. During the time he served he worked to

influence public policy, build and maintain a strong reputation and find common ground with stakeholders in the community.

Among his numerous duties and tremendous accomplishment Willie Seward served with distinction as Assistant Treasure from 1982-1987; and

WHEREAS, Willie Seward was a life member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. He was awarded the “Realist of the Year” in 1987, and has also been a member of the Associated Real Estate Brokers of Philadelphia, Inc from 1965-present. During this time, he served two terms as President and on the Board of Directors from 1974-1998; and

WHEREAS, Willie Seward was a member of the Mayor’s Fair Housing Commission for eight years. He also served as President of the Greater Philadelphia realty Board. Willie Seward has participated and served for numerous Professional Real Estate Organizations throughout his years. Willie Seward was a Board member of the North 22nd Street Merchants Association from 1978-2020.He is currently a member on the Advisory Board for the United Bank of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, We join in recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Willie Seward and hope that the renaming of the 2800 block of North 22nd Street will keep his memory alive. May it also serve as a reminder of his service and dedication to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That 2800 Block of North 22nd Street be also named “Willie Seward Way.”

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