Title
Proclaiming the Day of November 17th 2007 as “David P. Richardson Jr. Day.”
Body
The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Day of November 17th 2007 as “David P. Richardson Jr. Day” and further Recognizing, Honoring, and Celebrating David P. Richardson Jr., – For his great achievement as an activist, lawmaker, human rights advocate and political leader.
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson, was born, raised, served and died locally here in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson was a Germantown High School student who at a very young age became an activist, a lawmaker, a human rights advocate, and a political leader; and
WHEREAS, Forty Years ago…On Nov. 17, 1967, Dave Richardson, as an organizer of the walkout movement for African and African-American history in public schools, took a stand and made a difference; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, at the age of 24, Dave Richardson was elected state representative for the 201st Legislative District; and
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson, a native of Philadelphia, served 12 consecutive terms as state representative for the 201st Legislative District; and
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson was the Democratic Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and the National Black Caucus of State Legislatures; and
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson was also the 59th Democratic Ward Leader and the Chairman of the Philadelphia Black Elected Officials, and the House Urban Affairs Committee; and
WHEREAS, During Dave Richardson’s tenure in the legislature, he was the prime sponsor of more than 400 bills and co-sponsored more than 2,186 measures introduced by his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Dave Richardson's legislative record gained him recognition as a proponent of social welfare reform and prison reform; as an advocate for social justice and equal rights; and, as a leader in the fight for the rights of the elderly, children, the disabled and the homeless; and
WHEREAS, Many of Dave Richardson's bills are now law, including his measure repealing Pennsylvania's welfare lien statute; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Designates the Day of November 17th 2007 as “David P. Richard Jr. Day” and further Recognize, Honor, and Celebrate David P. Richardson Jr., – For his great achievement as an activist, lawmaker, human rights advocate and political leader.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dana Y. King, Lead Academic Coach, on behalf of the African and African-American Studies for the School District of Philadelphia as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End