Title
Also naming the 3600 block of Hamilton Street "In-Ho Oh Memorial Way" to honor the memory of In-Ho Oh and to recognize his life and memorialize his lasting legacy.
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WHEREAS, On April 28, 1958, In-Ho Oh was murdered by a group of eleven African American juveniles after mailing a letter at the corner of 36th and Hamilton Streets; and
WHEREAS, In-Ho Oh was 26 years old at the time of his death. He was a graduate of Seoul National University and aspired to complete his education at the University of Pennsylvania, return to Korea to serve his people and his nation as a Christian Statesman; and
WHEREAS, The brutal and senseless murder of In-Ho Oh sent shock waves throughout Philadelphia and became national news; and
WHEREAS, The District Attorney sought to certify the juveniles as adults and obtain the death penalty. Cecil B. Moore would later serve as defense attorney for one of the nine defendants; and
WHEREAS, A letter arrived from the parents of In-Ho Oh, in which they wrote, "When we heard of his death, we could not believe the news was true, for the shock was so unexpected and sad . . . We thank God that He has given us a plan whereby our sorrow is being turned into Christian purpose. It is our hope that we may somehow be instrumental in the salvation of the souls, and in giving life to the human nature of the murderers. Our family has met together and we have decided to petition the most generous treatment possible within the laws of your government be given to those who have committed this criminal action . . . In order to give evidence of our sincere hope contained in this petition our whole family has decided to save money to start a fund to be used for the religious, educational, vocational and social guidance of the boys when they are released. In addition, we are daring to hope that we can do something to minimize such juvenile criminal actions which are to be found, not only in your country, but also in Korea, and, we a...
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