Renaming the 300 block of N. Holly Street "Winnie Harris Way", in honor of the life and legacy of community activist and environmental advocate Winnie Harris.

WHEREAS, Winnie Harris was a community organizer, a passionate advocate for the environment, and a beacon of hope within her community; and

WHEREAS, Born with a deep connection to nature, Winnie dedicated her life to nurturing the earth and inspired others to do the same. She possessed a profound understanding of horticulture and shared her knowledge as an educator, enlightening generations with her wisdom; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, with the support of her friends, family, and neighbors, she embarked on a journey to breathe life into four trash strewn vacant lots on the 300 block of Holly street by establishing the Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden. Through her unwavering commitment, these lots blossomed into vibrant green spaces that have brought joy and solace to all who encountered them. The Garden has won many Philadelphia Horticultural Society and City Garden contests; and

WHEREAS, Winnie's impact extended far beyond the borders of her neighborhood and beloved garden. In 2012, she served as the acting executive director of UC Green, where she channeled her passion for planting, pruning and cultivating trees into a powerful force for change; and

WHEREAS, During her time at UC Green, Winnie contributed to enhancing the city's tree canopy, tirelessly organizing efforts to plant more than 2000 trees. Winnie also focused on greening education during this time, imparting horticultural knowledge to youth through Green Corps; and

WHEREAS, Tragically on February 3, 2017, Winnie’s light was extinguished far too soon by an act of random and senseless gun violence; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden thrives as a living and loving Memorial to Winnie Harris. Her love, warmth and dedication touched countless lives, and her absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her; and

WHEREAS, Friends, family, neighbors, and others continue to commemorate and honor her legacy by growing, greening, maintaining, preserving and growing the community around the Holly Street Neighborhood Community Garden; now, therefore, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby renames the 300 block of N. Holly Street “Winnie Harris Way”, in honor of the life and legacy of community activist and environmental advocate Winnie Harris.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Winnie Harris, as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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