WHEREAS, Claudia Smith Sherrod was born and raised in Philadelphia, where she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting. Throughout her life, she was a leading community activist and a guardian angel to her community; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Sherrod raised four children with her husband, Roy, before embarking on a second chapter as an organizational leader. She utilized her business training as the executive director and CEO of South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S Inc. (SPHINC) and the president of Point Breeze Community Development Coalition, as well as in leadership positions with other cornerstone organizations in South Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, During a quarter century as the leader of SPHINC, Ms. Sherrod oversaw the development of dozens of affordable homes, provided counseling and education to thousands of community members, and worked to unify and uplift the Point Breeze community; and
WHEREAS Ms. Sherrod retired from her executive role at SPHINC on December 31, 2017, but she continues to help guide the organization and serve the community as a consultant; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Sherrod has also lent her talents to leading education and civic organizations as a board member. Those organizations include neighborhood schools Audenried, Vare, and Alcorn, as well as CATCH, Inc., Grays Ferry Community Council and Northeast Grays-Ferry Residents Association; and
WHEREAS, For this lifetime of service to her community, Ms. Sherrod is deserving of lasting recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 2100 block of Federal Street also be named “Claudia Smith Sherrod Way”, to honor the legacy of Claudia Smith Sherrod.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Claudia Smith Sherrod as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.
End