WHEREAS, Christine E. Thomas was born February 23, 1944, in South Hill, Virginia and moved to the 2100 block of McClellan Street in her early 20s with her late husband, James Thomas, where she resided for over five decades; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas developed a deep-rooted connection to her neighborhood, which became the foundation for a lifetime of community service, advocacy, and volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, Her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around her was evident through her service on the Executive Board for Dixon House, the Board of Trustees for Community Legal Services, and the Board of Director for the Parents Union for Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, She actively encouraged civic participation by volunteering with the Voter Registration Division for Council President Kenyatta Johnson; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas further demonstrated her leadership as a captain in Mayor Wilson Goode’s Volunteer Program, where she led numerous community projects and outreach initiatives; and
WHEREAS, In her professional life, she served as a Housing Specialist with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, helping to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Her commitment to social justice extended to her as a board member for the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now, where she fought for human rights. She also championed women’s rights through her involvement in the National Council of Negro Women; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas’s faith has been a cornerstone of her life and service. As a devoted member of Gospel Temple Baptist Church, her spiritual convictions fueled her commitment to helping others. In recognition of her tireless work, she was honored with a Community Impact Award in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Christine E. Thomas’s decades of advocacy, volunteerism, and leadership have left a profound and lasting impact on her neighborhood and the City of Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby renames the 2100 Block of McClellan Street “Christine E. Thomas Way” in honor of Christine E. Thomas for her service to her community and to the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Christine E. Thomas as a token of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
End