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Adding Thurgood M. Matthews, Esq. to the street signs on the 1000 block of Chelten Avenue in honor of his fierce advocacy on behalf of his clients, leadership in the courtroom, investment in his local community, and service to the people of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Thurgood M. Matthews was born on August 1, 1955, to Willie C. Matthews and Hannah Matthews, in Coatesville, PA. Affectionately known as Thur, Good, T-Good, T-Bone, T, and Eagle One by this family and friends, he was the third of four children and was named after Supreme Court Justice and Civil Rights activist, Thurgood Marshall; and
WHEREAS, A 1973 graduate of Coatesville High School, Thurgood was a member of the school's student council, track team, and drama club. There, he developed a love for public speaking - entering and winning oral contests. Thurgood continued his formal education at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1977 and gaining notoriety as one of the disc jockeys on the campus radio station, WARC 90.3 FM. His love for music and flare for engaging commentary made his segment one of the most popular on the air. It was also at Allegheny College where he met the love of his life, future wife, and mother of his children, Sheila D. Jeter; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his degree, Thurgood returned to Coatesville to work for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a manager and to also help his parents on the family farm. Ever the scholar and also wanting to fully step into the footsteps of his namesake, Thurgood attended Howard University School of Law from 1978 to 1981. While at Howard, he shined as a student and harnessed the legal acumen that would serve him throughout his illustrious career. Despite having multiple offers to pursue corporate opportunities upon graduation, he knew early on that he wanted to dedicate his career to public service; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating in 1981, Thurgood became a member of the Pen...
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