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Honoring the life and legacy of legendary activist and changemaker Paula Peebles, the Philadelphia Chairwoman of the National Action Network.
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WHEREAS, Paula Peebles was born on June 27, 1954, and lived in the Jefferson Manor neighborhood of Philadelphia throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, The National Action Network, founded by Reverend Al Sharpton, is one of America’s leading civil rights organizations. Paula faithfully served as both the Pennsylvania Chairwoman of the National Action Network and the Philadelphia Chairwoman of the National Action Network; and
WHEREAS, Paula was a dedicated activist throughout her life, and she never stopped advocating for her neighborhood. She consistently fought against encroachments into her North Philadelphia neighborhood by Temple University and was instrumental in fighting the proposed apartment buildings at 11th and Oxford. She was also a key supporter of legislation to expand the Zoning Board of Adjustment to ensure that community voices are represented; and
WHEREAS, Following the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012, Paula was instrumental in leading protests in Philadelphia following the acquittal of George Zimmerman. While the Justice Department declined to file charges in the case, she forged the conversation around reforms to self-defense and stand your ground laws; and
WHEREAS, Paula has blown the whistle on potential police misconduct, where she has claimed that officers in the police department have sold firearms to African American children. While this claim has not been independently verified, it is worth noting that she has been a competent credible messenger over the years; and
WHEREAS, A staunch supporter of District Attorney, Larry Krasner, Peebles has worked to ensure that the Office has been able to continue its laudable goal of assisting those who have been victims of prosecutorial misconduct by having sentences overturned; and
WHEREAS, Through her advocacy work, Paula has made a monumental impact on the City of Philadelphia. While she may have physically passed on, her commitment and dedication will live on in the lives of those who were impacted by her work: now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors the life and legacy of legendary activist and changemaker Paula Peebles, the Philadelphia Chairwoman of the National Action Network.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the family of Paula Peebles as a sign of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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