Title
Renaming the1500 block of South 17th Street "Carl Vann Wilson Way" in honor of Deacon Carl Vann Wilson Sr. for his extraordinary leadership, entrepreneurship, and unwavering commitment to his Church and community.
Body
WHEREAS, Deacon Carl Vann "CV" Wilson Sr. was born in a devout Christian home in Philadelphia to Paul and Susie Wilson, where the foundation of his faith and character was established; and
WHEREAS, His spiritual journey began as a child at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church and he remains a dedicated member of that parish; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Wilson began working at a young age to support his family, earning $5 a week and a bag of rotten produce at Nick Mauro's grocery store at the corner of Bancroft and Wharton Streets, of which he gave $3 and the produce to his mother, keeping $2 for himself; and
WHEREAS, To this day, Deacon Wilson, lives in South Philadelphia, just three blocks from where he was born; and
WHEREAS, A man of profound faith and commitment, Deacon Wilson has been a powerful influence on his community, often telling children that if they can get up to go to school every day, then they can get up and go to Church on Sunday; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Wilson's devotion to the Church is unwavering, having served in numerous ministries including Prayer Band, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Jones Halleluiah Chorus, missionaries, and the Deacon's Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Wilson showed exceptional leadership while serving as Chairman of the Deacon's Ministry, ensuring a minister was in the pulpit for 312 weeks when Mt. Hebron Baptist Church was without a pastor; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Wilson's entrepreneurial spirit has greatly affected South Philadelphia: After marrying the late Louise J. Wilson in 1964, he opened his first business, J&W Variety Store, in 1965 with his brother-in-law at the corner of Tasker and Dorrance Streets, and later founded CV Wilson & Son Wholesalers in 1973, followed by Vonni, Vel, and CV's Variety Store in 19...
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