Renaming the 5300 Block of Girard Avenue to "Barristers Way" in Honor of The Barristers' Association of Philadelphia, Inc.

WHEREAS, The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc., founded on January 12, 1950, at Carolyn’s Tea Room at 53rd and Girard Avenue, has served as a vital pillar in the legal, civic, and cultural landscape of the City of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The Barristers’ Association has provided a unique and enduring forum for discussion and dissemination of information of particular interest to Black attorneys and the broader Philadelphia Black community, advocating for justice, equity, and representation in the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, The Association now represents a network of approximately 1,000 lawyers and jurists, holding leadership positions across the private and public sectors and serving society at the highest levels with distinction; and

WHEREAS, The Barristers’ Association has played a crucial historical role in the advancement of civil rights and legal reforms, including participation in the 1973 Liacouras Commission to combat racial discrimination in bar admissions, and legal action resulting in the registration of 50,000 additional Philadelphia voters; and

WHEREAS, The Association has consistently promoted civic education and legal empowerment through testimony before the Pennsylvania State Legislature, youth mentorship programs, political education forums, and the provision of annual scholarships to minority law students pursuing legal degrees at local institutions; and

WHEREAS, The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia continues to be a proud affiliate of the National Bar Association, contributing to a nationwide community of Black legal professionals, judges, and students; and

WHEREAS, The 5300 block of Girard Avenue holds deep historical significance as the founding site of the Association and serves as a symbol of its commitment to justice, education, and service to the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby formally recognizes the invaluable contributions of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. by renaming the 5300 block of Girard Avenue to “Barristers Way”.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. as a token of the City’s gratitude and recognition of their more than seven decades of advocacy, leadership, and service.

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