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Recognizing Southwest Philadelphia's own Mont Brown for his notable contributions to his community on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, August 19, 2022.
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WHEREAS, Lamont “Mont” Brown is a humanitarian, visionary, A&R for Columbia Records, and fashion designer, who is known as the hip hop humanitarian of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown is a native Philadelphian who grew up near 66th and Chester Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. He was raised by his grandfather, a retired city worker, and his grandmother, who battled cancer most of his life. Mr. Brown’s father was killed at 22 and his mother spent 20 years behind bars. Mr. Brown uses his story to inspire and help the youth that go through similar challenges in their lives; and
WHEREAS, From a young age he focused on his love of art, music and fashion. Mr. Brown was influenced by Bad Boy Records, Jay-Z and Mase admiring their lifestyle and entrepreneurship. He drew inspiration for fashion from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nigo and Pharrell Williams, which ultimately fueled his launch of the luxury streetwear brand “Humanitarians Wanted” in 2017; and
WHEREAS, “Humanitarians Wanted” focused on sharing a positive message to the world through the creativity of his clothes. Through his clothing, he tries to spread his belief in the power of unity; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Mr. Brown acts as an A&R at Columbia Records. His career and acts of service have been featured in numerous publications such as The XXl, The Source, Jump Philly, Philadelphia Weekly, The Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Globe times, MTVu, and VH1; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown values the importance of mentorship and believes that by sharing ideas, talents, resources, and time in order to help youths and creative individuals reach their full potential. He continuously has provided a platform for artists around Philadelphia, and helps provide them the ability to perform at places such as the Union Transfer, The Theatre of Living Arts, and the Dell Music Center; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown’s active role in the Southwest community allows him to reach many through his annual events and festivals. He works to reach his primary goal of creating a day of no violence within his community through his 8th annual "Stop the Violence Kickback" Festival. His 2022 kickback festival was held in collaboration with Grammy award winner Anderson Paak and his nonprofit organization Paak House. At the festival they gave away 250 pairs of new sneakers to the community of Southwest Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 2015 he was honored with the title of The Southwest Ambassador by Senator Anthony Williams and named the “Mayor of Southwest Philadelphia” by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. He was also named one of Black Male Engagement’s Community leaders of 2015; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown was also honored as one of the Youth Ambassadors for the Justice Or Else 20th anniversary for the Million Man March in Washington D.C. He was able to take 56 young people from Southwest Philadelphia down to Washington D.C. with him with to experience unity and history; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown now sits on the Board for Mothers in Charge and participates in a monthly “Brunch with the Elderly Event” at the senior home in Southwest Philadelphia. He has received over two dozen community effort awards for his humanitarian work, and was given the 2019 Mayor Jim Kenney Hometown Hero Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brown has taken his talent and popularity and turned it into leverage for the young people here in Philadelphia. He is an example that regardless of your surroundings you are still capable of living out your dreams; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, This Council hereby recognizes Southwest Philadelphia's own Mont Brown for his notable contributions to his community on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, August 19, 2022.
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