WHEREAS, On Sunday April 30, 2023, a 3-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound in the Grays Ferry neighborhood of South Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, At the same time Meeka Outlaw, a local resident, was unloading groceries out of her car when she noticed the mother and child in distress and took immediate action. Outlaw drove the child and mother to the Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 47 at Grays Ferry Avenue and 31st Street, while alerting first responders; and
WHEREAS, First responders immediately jumped in to stabilize the boy and rushed him to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he is now in stable condition; and
WHEREAS, Outlaw’s quick-thinking along with the help of first responders likely saved the 3-year-old boy’s life moments after he was shot in the face; and
WHEREAS, Outlaw is a currently a middle school history and science teacher at Independence Mission Schools. She is also a longtime community activist who started Residents Organized for Advocacy and Direction (ROAD), a community organization that focuses on filling the outreach gaps by connecting community members to information and resources they needed; and
WHEREAS, Meeka Outlaw’s actions are a testament to her steadfast dedication to service. Not willing to stand by during a crisis, Meeka went above and beyond to ensure the well-being and safety those in need and her heroism stands as a shining example for all Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and recognizes Meeka Outlaw for the heroism and the bravery she exhibited while providing aid to a 3-year-old child injured by gunfire.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Meeka Outlaw as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body
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