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Also naming Sigel Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets, “Vendetta Grimes Way,” to honor the life and legacy of Vendetta Grimes.
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WHEREAS, Vendetta Grimes, born in 1952, graduated from South Philadelphia High School and was a longtime pillar of the Grays Ferry neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Throughout her life, she was active as a civic leader, community activist, and guardian angel to neighborhood residents in need; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her love for her neighborhood, Ms. Grimes was elected block captain by her neighbors and served as a majority inspector for the 3rd Division of the 48th Democratic Ward for over 35 years; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Grimes dedicated herself to lifelong community activism, specifically in mentoring troubled youth in the area and often adopting them informally into her family. Ms. Grimes had a custom of inviting young men into her home to practice conflict resolution over a hot meal. Indeed, her gift for communicating with youth and mediating disputes helped her to prevent countless violent confrontations in the South Philadelphia community; and
WHEREAS, Passionate about serving the less fortunate, Ms. Grimes started the Garden of Love program at 2115 Sigel Street, on the same block where she lived. The program provided meals for low income and homeless families, and was known as a safe haven for the youth. Ms. Grimes funded the program herself on a fixed income; and
WHEREAS, To honor her transformative work with youth, both Unity in the Community and the 48th Democratic Ward recognized Ms. Grimes formally with awards; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Grimes’s entrepreneurial spirit and expertise as a pediatric nurse led to the creation of her business, “Grimes Consultant Infant Care.” Through this venture, Ms. Grimes provided consulting and training to local professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and business owners on how to nurture and care for children; and
WHEREAS, At the time of her passing, in September of 2018, Ms. Grimes left behind four biological children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. But she also left behind a host of godchildren and others who had come to regard her as a surrogate mother. In a fitting tribute to her loving, selfless dedication, they were listed alongside her biological family members in her obituary and gathered in large numbers to honor her life. Her unforgettable presence has been sorely missed and will continue to be so; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Does hereby also name Sigel Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets, “Vendetta Grimes Way,” to honor the life and legacy of Vendetta Grimes.
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