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Honoring and celebrating Philadelphia’s Living Legends: Heshimu Jaramogi, Ukee Washington, Rick Williams, Ducis Rogers and Lady B, who are leaders in the arena of radio, print and television journalism in Philadelphia, as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
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WHEREAS, Heshimu Jaramogi is an award-winning journalist who has left his mark on the Greater Philadelphia media industry since the 1980s. Jaramogi has worked for various local news organizations, including WDAS, WCAU, WHYY and WPEN. In 1998, Jaramogi became the President and Founder of Jaramogi Communications. Jaramogi also founded “The Neighborhood Leader” newspaper. In more recent years, Jaramogi has worked with aspiring young writers at Temple University, where he teaches journalism courses. Jaramogi’s dedication to journalism was memorialized when he became the recipient of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists’ Lifetime Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, Ulysess S. Washington, III --- (Ukee) was raised in Philadelphia and returned to the City after graduating from the University of Richmond to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Washington started off as a sportscaster at KYW TV in 1986. Currently, Washington hosts Eyewitness News on Philadelphia’s CBS-3. Washington has also used his creative talents in other areas of the media, appearing in several movies of Philadelphia-raised director M. Night Shyamalan. Washington has received several accolades for his work, including being inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2015; and
WHEREAS, 6ABC Action News host Rick Williams worked in journalism in several major cities across the country before settling in Philadelphia in 1988. Williams is one of the most recognized faces from the 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade, which he has co-hosted with Cecily Tynan since 2009. Williams has made many significant contributions to the Philadelphia community, including his efforts to inspire and uplift young Philadelphians through his work with Philadelphia Futures, a non-profit organization that mentors students seeking higher education. Williams’ hard work was honored in 2010, when he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Ducis Rodgers moved to Philadelphia in 2012, becoming the Action News Sports Director for 6ABC. Rogers began his career as an anchor and reporter for WDEF-TV in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Prior to coming to Philadelphia, Rogers also worked as a sportscaster in several major cities including Chicago, New York, and Miami, where he was named the Miami New Times “Best Sportscaster” in 2003. Rodgers has also worked with ESPN and WCBS-TV, covering major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the World Series; and
WHEREAS, Lady B is one of the earliest female rappers in Hip Hop, and one of the first to record a studio album. In 1979, Lady B began her radio career by interning at WHAT radio station, where she worked with Mary Mason, another Philadelphia radio icon. Lady B was hired full time after improving ratings at the station by assisting with the selection of new music. In 1984, Lady B moved to Philadelphia's Power 99 FM and started the program, "The Street Beat." Currently, Lady B broadcasts on Philadelphia's premiere R&B station Old School 100.3 FM. Lady B received the prestigious Philly Urban Legend Award in 2002 and is also listed in VIBE Magazine’s History of Hip-Hop as “maybe the most influential female in hip- hop radio history”; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and celebrates Philadelphia’s Living Legends: Heshimu Jaramogi, Ukee Washington, Rick Williams, Ducis Rogers and Lady B, who are leaders in the arena of radio, print and television journalism in Philadelphia, as part of the commemoration of Black History Month.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia’s Living Legends as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
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