Whereas, Dwight Evans was born on May 16, 1954, in the City of Philadelphia and raised in the Germantown and West Oak Lane neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Dwight Evans is a proud graduate of Philadelphia’s public schools, having attended Germantown High School and later earning degrees from the Community College of Philadelphia and La Salle University; and
Whereas, Dwight began his career in public service as a teacher in Philadelphia’s public school system and as a community activist with the Urban League, dedicating himself to improving educational outcomes, reducing crime, and revitalizing neighborhoods; and
Whereas, In 1980, at the age of 26, Dwight Evans was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served for over three decades, including 20 years as the first African American Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, helping to direct state resources toward education, public safety, job training and economic development; and
Whereas, Congressman Evans has championed community-led development in Northwest Philadelphia through the creation of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC), which helped transform Ogontz Avenue and West Oak Lane into a thriving economic and cultural hub; and
Whereas, He was instrumental in the founding of the West Oak Lane Charter School and the launch of the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival - both of which represent his commitment to empowering youth and enriching the community through education and the arts; and
Whereas, Since 2016, Dwight Evans has served in the United States House of Representatives, where he continues to advocate for working families, education reform, equitable development, and support for small and Black-owned businesses as a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee; and
Whereas, Congressman Evans has dedicated nearly five decades of his life to public service, leaving an enduring impact on the City of Philadelphia and serving as a mentor and role model for generations of civic leaders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, declares May 16, 2025, as “Dwight Evans Day” in the City of Philadelphia in celebration of his 71st birthday and in recognition of his legacy of leadership, compassion, and transformational impact on our City, state, and nation.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Congressman Dwight Evans as a sincere expression of the admiration, gratitude, and respect of this legislative body for his lifetime of service, transformative leadership, and unwavering dedication to the people of Philadelphia.
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