Title
Honoring the memory of Kenneth Bridges.
Body
WHEREAS, Mr. Bridges was born in Germany and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He later moved to Philadelphia and received a MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and began his career in marketing positions at organizations that included Scott Paper, Amway and a company that distributed comedian Dick Gregory’s Bahamian Diet Program; and
WHEREAS, Black economic empowerment was a critical theme in Mr. Bridges’ career. Despite much success as a Distributor for Amway, he chose to invest his time, efforts and talent into the development of resources and revenues within the African American community. In 1986, he became Vice President of POWER Inc., an acronym for People Organized and Working for Economic Rebirth; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his untimely death, Mr. Bridges operated Matah (an African word loosely translated as “He who refuses to give up”) Network. The company, which he co-founded, sought through meetings, seminars and videotapes, to get African Americans to direct their spending to African-American owned companies; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bridges’ social consciousness, support of Black initiatives and belief in empowering the African American community extended to his involvement with all facets of his professional and personal life. When approached by the Late State Representative David P. Richardson to organize the Chew/Chelten business district, he boldly accepted the challenge. They forged a deep friendship borne of kindred spirits and mutual vision. After the State Representative’s death, he co-produced a one-hour TV documentary entitled “David was a Man”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bridges, a long time resident of East Germantown was a loving husband and devoted father of six who extended himself unselfishly to not only his own family but to his fellow man. Whether greeting a new neighbor, organizing a community block activity or negotiating a multi-million dollar contract, his abiding concern was African American empowerment-on all levels. The action of one whom had, and continues to have, no regard for the value of life can not destroy the spirit and legacy of Kenneth Bridges. He too, was a Man; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the memory and join in celebrating the legacy of Kenneth Bridges.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Jocelyn Bridges and her children as evidence of the sincere respect of this legislative body. We continue to keep them and other families whom have suffered by the senseless and vicious act of individual(s), in our prayers. To paraphrase Mrs. Bridges “They will receive justice and reciprocity in the end.”
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