WHEREAS, James Blocker moved from Greenwood South Carolina to Philadelphia in 1961; and
WHEREAS, Prior to moving to Philadelphia, James served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged that same year; and
WHEREAS, Upon relocation he moved to the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, where he resided with his Aunt Katherine and Uncle Boyd; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Blocker’s main job when he moved to Philadelphia was in construction. He helped build Strawberry Mansion High School and four other schools in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, After working for six and half years in construction James Blocker realized it was time for a new venture; and
WHEREAS, James Blocker tapped into a new set of skills working for seven years as a Navy Yard electrician; and
WHEREAS, In 1996 James married the love of his lives Eula Mae Gaskins and they had three children: James Darryl Blocker, Kevin Blocker, and Gregory Blocker; and
WHEREAS, In an effort to make a better life for his wife and children, James opened up Mansion Auto Repair in 1974 on the corner of 2301 N 30th Street; and
WHEREAS, Through James L. Blocker's vision, Mansion Auto has evolved into a multi-generational, Black-owned business, proudly owned and operated by the community, for the community; and
WHEREAS, Mansion Auto became a pillar of the community and was also a Safe Haven Corridor for neighborhood children; and
WHEREAS, James Blocker's vision continues to thrive through his sons and grandsons, with over 48 years of serving the same community in which he still resides; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 2900 Block of Dauphin Street shall also be named as “James Blocker Way.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to James Blocker as evidence of the true and sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End