City of Philadelphia - File #: 180654

• File #: 180654
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 6/14/2018
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 6/21/2018
• Title: Also naming West Mantua Avenue between Brown and 36th Streets Herman C. Wrice Way in recognition of his role in creating the Young Great Society in Mantua and his remarkable community activism in mentoring young people and fighting tirelessly against drug violence.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Blackwell, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Bass, Council President Clarke, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Taubenberger, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Oh, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember O'Neill

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
6/21/2018	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
6/14/2018	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar	Pass

Title
Also naming West Mantua Avenue between Brown and 36th Streets Herman C. Wrice Way in recognition of his role in creating the Young Great Society in Mantua and his remarkable community activism in mentoring young people and fighting tirelessly against drug violence.

Body
WHEREAS, Herman C. Wrice was born in 1939 in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. When he was seven years old his family moved to Pennsylvania, where they eventually settled in Mantua; and

WHEREAS, Wrice attend Overbrook High School. There he became involved in a gang, however, he changed his path in life due to the guidance of a priest, Father Remeter. Father Remeter saw leadership potential in Wrice and convinced him to use the church hall for basketball games and dances to attract the young people in the community; and

WHEREAS, Wrice was passionate and determined to rid his community of drug violence. In the Mid-1960s, at a time when Mantua was one of the most crime-laden communities in Philadelphia, Herman Wrice alongside Andrew Jenkins came together to form the Young Great Society and the Mantua Community Planners; and

WHEREAS, These organizations held community functions such as arts and crafts gatherings, vocal groups, day trips and tutoring sessions. Together with the local police and activists, Wrice hoped that these activities would deter neighborhood kids from becoming involved in drug activity; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, Wrice organized Mantua Against Drugs (MAD) and led marches against drug dealers in his neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Wrice personally participated in the demolition and closing of crack houses and led marches against drug dealers who operated freely on the streets; and

WHEREAS, Often facing death threats, Wrice put his personal safety at risk for his community, but he stood firm in the face of danger. He was fearless, and when drug dealers tried to push him around he pushed even harder. He was known for putting up "Wanted" posters with p...