Some Positive news to share for a CHANGE

Thera Martin theramartin10@gmail.com

I could write about the most recent murders in Philadelphia and stories of children under the age of 13; injured by gunfire in just the last two weeks, but you know what; I want to share some good news for a change. How about that? Saturday, June 10, 2023, a gentleman by the name of Willie Seward had the 2800 block of North 22nd Street named after him. He is someone in the real estate business for over 50 years and has had a real estate office, Willie Seward Realty, on North 22nd Street, since 1990. He is very deserving of the honor. On top of that, his 95th birthday was June 10, 2023.

8th District City Councilwoman Cindy Bass worked to make the street renaming possible. It was Willie Seward’s granddaughter, Keshia Davis, a co-owner of the very popular Denise’s Bakery on North 22nd Street, who had the idea that her Pop should have the honor. It wasn’t a hard sell at all because Willie Seward has been an outstanding citizen all of his life in Philadelphia. He has served several Mayoral Administrations and has been an office holder or board member of numerous real estate organizations.

The actual street sign was delayed from being placed because of the severe air quality levels we had in Philadelphia the week of June 10. However, a ceremony was held at 2850 N. 22nd Street with about 50 guests in attendance, including the Councilwoman, PA State Senator Sharif Street, the president of the N. 22nd Street Business Association, family members of Willie Seward, and a host of other guests.

Saturday, June 17, it was Barbara Daniel Cox's turn to have a street named after her. Barbara Daniel Cox was an icon in Philadelphia in her own right. She worked in the W. Wilson Goode Administration, leading the Mayor’s Commission for Women. Prior to that and even after she retired from city government, Barbara was known to work on many important political campaigns, including those for Wilson Goode, Martian B. Tasco, Harris Wofford, Cherelle Parker (for State Rep. years ago), and the list goes on.

She was also known as a top-notch events planner and public relations expert. She handled many events for her Alma Mater, Cheyney University. She also handled many events for the historic Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper. One of the things many of us feel Barbara will be most remembered for is the fact that she brought the Black Family Reunion event to Philadelphia for at least five years. That was an event that was under the auspices of the National Council of Negro Women, which back then was led by the honorable Dr. Dorothy I. Height, a historic figure in her own right who has since passed.

As of June 17, 42nd and N. Concourse Drive (right off 42nd and Parkside) in Fairmount Park is named Barbara Daniel Cox Way. 4th District City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and City Councilwoman At Large Sharon Vaughn were the two elected officials behind getting the Barbara Daniel Cox Street sign up. They are to be congratulated. Also working behind the scenes was a longtime close friend and sorority sister to Barbara Lynette Brown Sow. It should also be noted that BDC, as Barbara liked to be called, was a very proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Also, on June 17, Rev. Dr. Herb Lusk, who passed away in September of 2022, now has a street named in his honor in Philadelphia. A former Philadelphia Eagle turned community activist and pastor, Herb Lusk, truly made many positive impacts while he lived. The 700 block of North Broad Street is now known as Rev. Dr. Herbert Lusk Way. Pastor Lusk was the first NFL player to pray in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. He played for the Eagles for three years. Years later, Pastor Lusk became the Chaplain for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior pastor of Greater Exodus Baptist Church. He grew his church to a membership of about 2,000 people, and he also founded a charter school which has met with success over the years. Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke is behind the street renaming for Dr. Lusk.

I should note that all the street renaming events I shared in this column were of African-American community leaders.

In other good news, Philadelphia City Commissioner

See “Street Renamings” next page

(L to R) Willie Seward Street renaming, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, Mr. Willie Seward, and on the end, PA State Senator Sharif Street. (The gentleman in baseball cap is unidentified); Barbara Daniel Cox Street renaming. Pictured left to right, Philadelphia City Councilwoman at-

thera photos

large Sharon Vaughn, former City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, Lynette Brown Sow, Robert Archie, Esq., radio personality Dyanna Williams, City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. and PA State Senator Vincent Hughes. (Behind Councilman Jones is Stanley Straughter).

Rev. Dr. Herb Lusk Street renaming. Council President Darryl Clarke shown with State Representative Donna Bullock, Lusk family members and the community came out to participate in the celebration.

EDP photo

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Omar Sabir partners with WAWA Welcome America for summer events. Each summer Wawa Welcome America orchestrates diverse and unique summer events that attract thousands of participants. These events include block parties, a refugee day celebration, and the nationally renowned July 4 concert and fireworks show.

This partnership will allow Commissioner Sabir’s office to provide critical voter information and resources to thousands of Philadelphians. Commissioner Sabir’s office will provide voter registration, mail-in ballot applications, recruit poll workers, and more. They have a whole lineup of events where the Commissioner’s office will be on hand to share voter education and voter registration materials. This is a very good thing.

Here are just several items on the agenda for Welcome America, where City Commissioner Omar Sabir’s office will be.

Saturday, June 24, Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta at S. Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street, 2 pm-9 pm.

Tues. June 27, the place to be is at the PECO Go 4th and Learn: A Cultural Journey, 6th and Race Streets, 200 N. 6th Street, 10 am-12 noon. Thursday, June 29, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia Community Day, 815 W. Olney Ave., 4-7 pm. To learn about all the locations where the City Commissioner’s office will be leading up to July 4 and the big Welcome America events, call his office at 215-686-3462.

It is so important that our City Commissioner's office get involved in all kinds of events and community activities. Anywhere they can go or send their staff to help ensure people get registered to vote and have voter information--I say let them do it. Show up and show out. Get people ready to vote because we have an important General Election coming up on November 7, where we will decide who the 100th Mayor of Philadelphia will be. Three cheers for City Commissioner Omar Sabir and his staff.