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Also naming the 1700 block of North 49th Street as “Ken Carter Way” in honor of Charles Kenneth Carter, a board member of the Business Association of West Parkside, who passed away on August 9, 2021.
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WHEREAS, Charles Kenneth Carter was born on July 19, 1965 to Christine Bryant Carter and Charles Carter Jr. in South Bronx, New York. Affectionately called “Kenny” in his youth, he overcame many obstacles in order to achieve his dreams; and
WHEREAS, Carter was raised in the South Bronx’s Forest Projects by his mother. He faced bullying, loneliness, and being told he would never be able to succeed because of his circumstances. But despite all of this, he developed an underdog mentality and conquered any challenge life threw at him; and
WHEREAS, Carter had a deep love for learning and knowledge. He read any book he could get his hands on and would spend his allowance on purchasing more books to add to his collection. He remained at the top of his class throughout high school and was voted “most likely to succeed” and “most generous student” in his senior year; and
WHEREAS, Carter married the love of his life, Keisha Carolyn Parker, in 1989, and had two children, Ameer and Zaakir. Following his marriage, he attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and earned his Bachelors of Science in Business and Leadership from Rosemont College. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Rosemont, he obtained executive management certificates from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Businesses Program, Babson College, Community College of Philadelphia, and the Tuck School of Business; and
WHEREAS, Carter invested in his uncle’s accounting business and went to work in a tax accounting firm in Philadelphia. The firm was sold and Ken and his uncle joined Alpha Office Supplies, Inc. in 1996 as partners, and Carter helped the business grow into a $40 million firm. He held numerous positions with Alpha including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Director and President; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, Carter, along with three business partners, founded SUPRA Office Solutions, Inc. and subsequently, in 2015 this team acquired EMSCO Scientific Enterprises, Inc. He was responsible for strategic planning, executive management, training, development, and financial oversight. In addition, he focused on the implementation of partnerships with several top tier companies. Carter was a transformational leader who guided his team in bold ways. He inspired continued growth and success in all he encountered; and
WHEREAS, Carter was dedicated to philanthropy and charity. He spent 15 years with the Mathematics, Civics, and Sciences Charter School (MCSCS) where he served as both Board President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. While at MCSCS, he spearheaded the disciplinary committee and mentored hundreds of young men and women. Carter donated thousands of dollars to Philadelphia Masjids, youth organizations, and served as a dedicated board member of the Business Association of West Parkside. He has written countless letters to state and federal judges to advocate for second chances for countless young black men; and
WHEREAS, Carter was a highly recognized member of the business community. He has received numerous awards including the Circle of Excellence Award, Fortune 100 Fastest Growing Companies, an award from the Black Business Leadership Coalition and was a member of the Philadelphia 100 List; and
WHEREAS, Carter tragically passed away on August 9, 2021 at the age of 56 following a battle with pneumonia. He is survived by his beloved wife and children, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Carter lived his life by following the mantra, “it is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares about or is concerned with who takes the credit, as long as the work gets done”; and
WHEREAS, The life and dedicated service of Charles Kenneth Carter deserves to be memorialized and remembered; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby also names the 1700 block of North 49th Street as “Ken Carter Way” in honor of Charles Kenneth Carter, a board member of the Business Association of West Parkside, who passed away on August 9, 2021.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Charles Kenneth Carter and the members of the Business Association of West Parkside as a sign of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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