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Also naming the 1400 block of South 55th Street between Springfield Avenue and Chester Avenue “Mont Brown Way” to honor Mont Brown and his dedicated community service to Southwest Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, Mont Brown has organized the annual “Stop the Violence Kickback” festival, an event that aims to reduce violence within the community for a day for the past 12 years, providing a platform for over 400 music artists, resulting in six record deals for local talents; and
WHEREAS, After overcoming much adversity in his early life, a mother that was incarcerated for 24 years, and the tragic loss of his father, Mont Brown was raised by his grandparents, Marion and James Brown, Mont has shown an unshakeable willingness to give back to his community; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Mont collaborated closely with ACANA (African Cultural Alliance of North America) following a devastating fire that claimed the lives of four young African children and destroyed homes. Responding swiftly to this tragic incident, Mont and his team dedicated their efforts to raising funds and collecting clothing for the affected families. Furthermore, in the same year, Mont, along with Anton Moore and Rasheen Crews, organized a peace walk to end violence between groups of kids in South and Southwest Philly. They effectively closed down the Grays Ferry Bridge, utilizing social media, fliers, and word-of-mouth to spread the message of peace and unity. Mont's actions consistently contribute to the betterment of the community, fostering a sense of unity and pride; and
WHEREAS, His dedication to community service has been recognized and honored by former President Barack Obama and the White House, who awarded him the Community Service Leadership Award in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Mont's commitment to serving the community goes beyond local events, as he has collaborated with esteemed individuals like Senator Anthony Williams, State Rep. Jordan Harris, and Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Joanna McClinton, in various community initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Mont played a significant role as one of the Youth Ambassadors for the Justice or Else 20th-anniversary event of the Million Man March in Washington DC. Leading a group of 56 young people from Southwest Philadelphia, he showcased his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering dedication. Additionally, Mont has generously donated his time to mentor children at the Philadelphia Youth Study Center in West Philadelphia and has been involved in the Big Brother program at the Carson Valley Supervisor Center for Youth in Montgomery County, PA. Mont has collaborated with Mayor Helen Thomas of Darby, Pennsylvania on numerous occasions within the Darby community; and
WHEREAS, Mont served on the board of the Mayor’s office of Black Male Engagement and the board of Mother’s in Charge, a non-profit organization dedicated to violence prevention; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Mont received The Mothers In Charge Inc Community Service Award, highlighting his dedication to community service; and
WHEREAS, Mont Brown is also an accomplished author, having written "10 Steps: How To Become An A&R." This valuable resource contributes to the education and guidance of aspiring professionals in the music industry. Mont Brown's book reflects his dedication to sharing knowledge and insights gained from his experiences, serving as an educational tool for those aspiring to excel in the field of Artist and Repertoire (A&R); and
WHEREAS, Mont currently serves on the board of the Youth Ambassador Program at The Black Music Action Coalition. His involvement in this organization demonstrates his commitment to empowering and advocating for the youth within the music industry. Mont's position on the board of The Black Music Action Coalition underscores his dedication to advocating for the rights and opportunities of Black artists and professionals within the music industry; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, his exemplary role as a community service leader and positive influence led to him being honored with The iCare Academy W.E.B Dubois Community Service Award. Mont Brown was honored with the prestigious Radio One Boom 103.9 30 Under 30 Leadership Award, acknowledging his remarkable leadership abilities and significant influence in his community. Additionally, Mont Brown's outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the local hip-hop scene were recognized through the Philadelphia Hip Hop Awards Hustle of the Year Award. This further emphasizes his profound impact and dedication within the industry; and
WHEREAS, Mont Brown Day at Myers Recreation Center exemplifies Mont’s belief in the power of unity in serving others. He brings politicians, businesses, S.W. Community leaders and the City of Philadelphia together under his vision to plan annual community days, leaves our community feeling uplifted, valued and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, Mont Brown received the Philadelphia Cypher City Tech Award in 2019, further bridging the gap between Tech and Hip Hop. In 2018, he was acknowledged for his community service and earned The Overcame Foundation Award; and
WHEREAS, Mont received The Daniel Rumph Foundation Community Service Award, which acknowledged Mont's remarkable dedication to community service, in line with the foundation's mission; and
WHEREAS, Brown was honored with the Key to the City of Philadelphia by Council President Kenyatta Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the city; and
WHEREAS, Other awards included the KYW Community Game Changer award in 2017 and the Hometown Hero Award from Mayor Jim Kenney in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Mont Brown’s life is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to serving the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 1400 block of South 55th Street between Springfield Avenue and Chester Avenue also be named “Mont Brown Way” to honor Mont Brown and his dedicated community service to Southwest Philadelphia.
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