WHEREAS, Miller Parker was born in Philadelphia on January 23, 1945. Delayed until the following day, the doctor put the wrong date on the birth certificate, an error that would go on to vex Miller for his entire life; and
WHEREAS, Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, Miller settled back in Philadelphia and began a 30-year career in communications. He worked as an account representative for WCAU TV/CB, collaborated with Gene London and Captain Kangaroo, created the Miss America pageant weekend in Philadelphia (known as Franklin’s Philadelphia Pageant Weekend), and eventually produced radio and television shows; and
WHEREAS, In 1986 Parker, along with Reginald N. Lavong Sr purchased Philadelphia’s local radio station WHAT from Independence Broadcasting. They revolutionized the station to an African American-oriented talk and nostalgia format; and
WHEREAS, Parker also served as a commercial and residential real estate developer, where he was the president of the Philadelphia Non-Profit Advertising Agency. Among his other accomplishments, Miller produced stage plays, special events, community fairs and was instrumental in the creation of the Philadelphia Stars Negro League Memorial Park in West Parkside; and
WHEREAS, Miller was a fervent supporter of Philadelphia’s cultural institutions, including the Japanese American Society, the Franklin Institute where he encouraged diversity in science education, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts where he served as a board member, and the Barnes Foundation where he served as an ambassador; and
WHEREAS, He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Ogilvie; son, Jamal Parker; stepchildren, Christine Piven, Kathleen Greene and Jay Ogilvie, and eight grandchildren; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THR CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and celebrates the life and legacy of Miller Parker and formally declares June 18, 2024, as “Miller Parker Day” in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Miller Parker as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End