Title
Honoring and Recognizing the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters for their commitment to the Philadelphia civil rights movement and dedication to preserving the memory and legacy of one of Philadelphia's most notable civil rights activists, Cecil B. Moore.
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WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to honor and recognize the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters for their commitment to the Philadelphia civil rights movement and dedication to preserving the memory and legacy of one of Philadelphia's most notable civil rights activists, Cecil B. Moore; and
WHEREAS, Cecil B. Moore was a Philadelphia lawyer and civil rights activist, known for his historic fight for justice, equality, and in the promotion of racial harmony in the City of Philadelphia. Cecil B. Moore served North Philadelphia and the 5th Councilmanic District as a Councilman, from January 5, 1976 to February 13, 1979; and
WHEREAS, Cecil B. Moore successfully fought for the inclusion of African Americans in previously segregated institutions and businesses, such as Girard College, commercial bus companies, the airline industry, and the Post Office. Under his leadership, Cecil B. Moore grew the largest chapter of the NAACP in the nation, swelling the chapter from 6,000 to 32,000 members in a single year; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters, previously known as the Young Militants have remained committed to social activism and equality for all Philadelphians since the 1960s Civil Rights movement through picketing, sit-ins, and general protest; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters include as members Mel Dorn, Eugene Freedom Tree Dawkins, Kenneth Freedom Smitty Salaam, Karen Asper-Jordan, Richard J. Watson, Deborah Mills Batchelor, Bernyce C. Mills DeVaughn, Lester Green, Gary Adams, Henry Reddy, Billy Paul, Arlene Jones and James Hammonton; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters have meticulously and with great pride upheld the legacy of Cecil B. Moore, his efforts, his name, and his character throughout the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters with the support of then Councilman, and former Mayor, John Street and former Mayor Wilson Goode, successfully lobbied for a bill in 1979 in honor of Cecil B. Moore, renaming the street signs on Columbia Avenue to Cecil B. Moore; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters have demonstrated continued diligence and efforts of inclusion by ensuring the Cecil B. Moore Mural Arts on 17th Street be included in the Mural Arts City Tour; and
WHEREAS, The Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters have attained another victory, preventing SEPTA from abbreviating signage on the number 3 bus, and area street signs, from reading C. B. Moore and instead displaying the activists full name of Cecil B. Moore. The members of the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters have dedicated their time, energy, and in some cases money, to the continued appreciation of Cecil B. Moore and acknowledgment of his struggle; now therefore be it
Resolved, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters be honored and recognized for their integrity, dedication, and continued efforts in promulgating the legacy of Cecil B. Moore.
Be It Also Resolved, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body.
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