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Honoring and recognizing the work and accomplishments of Denise Ripley, whose dedication to the city, to community service, and to the housing rights of all, have invigorated and supported civic life in the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Denise Ripley was born and raised in North Philadelphia and has dedicated over 40 years of her life to giving back to the community that raised her, drawing upon the wellspring of inspiration from her community leaders’ contributions over the years, such as the Black Panthers’ free breakfast programs, to power her giving back to the community for the decades following; and
WHEREAS, Denise has served the Ward 47 community as a block captain for more than 30 years and as a committeeperson until this day, taking care of both young and old, making sure children were taken care of with meals and books, and making sure her neighborhood stays civically engaged by sharing important City updates; and
WHEREAS, Denise hosts periodic commemorative award ceremony events to honor local community elders and organizations who form the backbone of neighborhood civic health, including most recently organizing an “Extraordinary Women” ceremony at YMCA in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Denise serves her community through public advocacy, including organizing with the Stadium Stompers, leading the Mothers on the Move arm of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project from 1997 to 2001, lobbying government for employment opportunities, healthcare, and housing rights, and serving on the Mayor’s Office of Community Service in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Denise also gives back to the community through direct service, hosting food giveaways since 2014, organizing community responses to violence, including conversations and resources fairs, and hosting public events on important community affairs, including a 2019 workshop on Women’s Wellness and Nutrition and a 2023 Black History program at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes the work and accomplishments of Denise Ripley, whose dedication to the city, to community service, and to the housing rights of all, have invigorated and supported civic life in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Denise Ripley, as an expression of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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