Title
Recognizing and honoring Deborah Greasham, Malik Jones, and Corporal Cheryl Walker as examples of the countless unsung helping hands which lift our African American future up by mentoring and guiding our next generation of African American leaders.
Body
WHEREAS, The late Deborah Greasham worked tirelessly for forty years in early childhood education as the Founder and Executive Director of Porter’s Day Care & Educational Center. Mrs. Greasham was a purposeful leader. She created a high-quality early childhood educational environment in the heart of a low-income community. She reassured parents that their child’s early education was paramount to their child’s development, and she made sure it happened. She opened her meetings with prayer, demonstrating to her staff that quiet leaders make greater impacts when placing God first; and
WHEREAS, Malik Jones, Head Football Coach at Martin Luther King High School, recently completed his first season leading his alma mater. Coach Jones previously served as a volunteer assistant for the prior three seasons. In his first season as Head Coach, Jones led the Golden Cougars to the AAAAAA Philadelphia Public League Championship, the second in school history. Following the season, Jones was named Philadelphia Public League Coach of the Year by his peers; and
WHEREAS, In his short time as coach, Jones is credited with developing multiple college prospects at all NCAA Divisions. Most notably, Jones’ protégé Tyrell Mims signed a letter of intent to attend Villanova University on a full football scholarship. Tyrell, whose father has been incarcerated his entire life is one of many young student-athletes who have seen Coach Jones as a father figure due to his extensive involvement in the lives of his players. Jones makes himself available to his players well outside the realm of football. In fact, football serves as the platform by which Jones uses to inspire, mentor and encourage the young men to be the best version of themselves; and
WHEREAS, Having attended MLK, but struggled mightily with school, Coach Jones uses his story of redemption to inspire his players. Despite his challenging start in life, Jones went on to graduate from Bloomsburg University and play football there as a walk-on. It was at Bloomsburg where he would develop his penchant for coaching and his desire to help others have a broader and greater opportunities than he did; and
WHEREAS, Cheryl Walker is a Corporal in the Philadelphia Police Department and has been on the force for over 22 years where she embodies the notion of a community servant leader. Corporal Walker has participated as a mentor in the City of Philadelphia. S.P.A.R. K. Program, the Graduation Coaches Program and has been certified as a Mental Health Youth Advocate. Corporal Walker has been a Big Sister in the Big Brother and Sister’s program for over ten years and volunteers at her local Police Athletic League as a Positive Image Coach and dance instructor; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Walker is a faithful member of The Triumph Missionary Baptist Church where she is currently the Youth Leader and a member of the Praise and Dance Ministry. In addition, Walker has served on the Young Adult Choir, Adult Ushers, and Women’s Ministry; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That Philadelphia City Council does recognize and honor Deborah Greasham, Malik Jones, and Corporal Cheryl Walker as examples of the countless unsung helping hands which lift our African American future up by mentoring and guiding our next generation of African American leaders.
End