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Also naming the 5600 block of W. Master Street as “David Fattah Way,” in honor of David Fattah, to commemorate his legacy as the co-founder of the House of Umoja, as well as his community and youth leadership in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, David Fattah, a Philadelphia native born in 1943, was the founder of the House of Umoja. Founded in 1968, the House of Umoja was created with the goal providing youth mentorship and ending gang violence in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, David Fattah was well educated, earning a bachelor’s degree in Science, two master’s degrees in Education, and was a PhD Candidate at North Central University. He was also a recipient of certificates in elementary education, secondary education, and special education; and
WHEREAS, David Fattah founded the House of Umoja to serve as a sanctuary for Philadelphia youth involved in gang activity to give them a support system based on family; and
WHEREAS, After founding the House of Umoja, Fattah served as its Director of Community Outreach for 50 years. In 1974, he negotiated the Imani Pact between members of several rival gangs in an effort to bring about peace in the City; and
WHEREAS, David Fattah worked with the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Climate and Safety where he developed programs and conducted crisis intervention for at risk youth, as well as maintain appropriate climate in 15 schools; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, the House of Umoja was selected to lead the National Million Father March where Fattah served as Coordinator for the City of Philadelphia. The movement encourages fathers to bring their child to their first day of school; and
WHEREAS, David Fattah is an accomplished author. He founded a newspaper and has written a wide variety of literature such as Social Unrest Among Black Youth and Criminal Justice Administration and Crime Prevention; and
WHEREAS, David Fattah’s dedication to teaching, mentoring, and nurturing over 3,000 young African Americans and his unwavering commitment to the strength and safety of Philadelphia communities should be memorialized; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the legacy and dedicated service of David Fattah to Philadelphia youth be memorialized and the 5600 block of W. Master Street shall henceforth be known as “David Fattah Way.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of David Fattah, as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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