Title
Designating an Honorary Street Name to Commemorate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - To commemorate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and its work in the City of Annapolis by the honorary designation of Franklin Street from Church Circle to Cathedral Street as "Alpha Phi Alpha Way."
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 12-24
Introduced by: Alderwoman Finlayson
Co-sponsored by: Alds. Tierney, Arnett, Savidge
Referred to:
Heritage Commission
Transportation Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
Designating an Honorary Street Name to Commemorate
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
For the purpose of commemorating Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and its work in the City of Annapolis by the honorary designation of Franklin Street from Church Circle to Cathedral Street as "Alpha Phi Alpha Way."
WHEREAS, The City Council strives to recognize the contributions of individuals and groups who have made a significant impact on our community and
WHEREAS, The Eta Eta Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., has a long and distinguished service history to Annapolis since being chartered on April 14, 1959, and
WHEREAS, Eta Eta Lambda Chapter will celebrate 65 years of service and advocacy on April 14, 2024, and would like to commemorate its 65th anniversary with this symbolic designation and
WHEREAS, The Eta Eta Lambda, seated in Annapolis, is the only Chapter chartered in Anne Arundel County and counts as members: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark T. Bedell; Anne Arundel County Schools Mentoring Program Senior Manager Andre Dillard; Marley Elementary School Special Education Teacher, named as the 2023 Rising Star, Jamar Turner; Nivek Johnson, in District 36, was appointed Chair of the State Public Information Act Compliance Board by the state executive; Civil Rights leader, Ralph Thomas, who was honored at the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards; and
WHEREAS, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and previous members include the first black chairman of the state Republican Party, Aris T. Allen, M.D., who was also a state Delegate and state Senator; The Honorable Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, who worked collaboratively with Walter Mills to get equal pay for Black educators in AACPS; Simon Hailey, father of Author Alex Haley; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and Frederick Douglass; Wesley Anthony Brown, the first African-American to complete a Naval Academy education; William Snowden Keyes, Police officer, teacher and local legend who has received numerous awards and citations was recently sworn in at 102-year-old as an honorary Anne Arundel County Police Officer; Dr. Theodore Johnson, then president of the NAACP worked for the desegregation of restaurants and hotels in Annapolis and the promotion of African-American police officers; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter has served as a role model for countless residents by:
1. Creating services and programs ranging from youth mentorship to academic scholarships for graduating high school students, such as their flagship Alpha Academy Mentoring Program, designed to build, develop, and enhance young African American males from grades 3-12 into well-educated, strong leaders and community advocates equipped with the tools needed to evolve into influential and educated leaders who will actively contribute within their communities;
2. Helping provide holiday food baskets and various community service activities to low-income neighborhoods, including Toys for Tots, Feed the Homeless, and Back to School Giveaway; Community gardens; Wreaths Across America; Big Brothers Big Sisters; March for Babies; Sarah’s House; The Lighthouse Shelter; Carroll’s Closet; Polar Bear Plunge; Anne Arundel Food Bank;
3. Established in 2019, a charitable organization under IRS section 501(c)(3) and an approved not-for-profit organization in the State of Maryland to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes in Anne Arundel County, with the mission being to uplift and serve our community by providing programs, services, and scholarships to various underserved neighborhoods in Anne Arundel County; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting that the City Council honor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and its Annapolis-based Eta Eta Lambda Chapter for their dedication and service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
Section 1 - Honorary Designation.
The portion of Franklin Street between Church Circle and Cathedral Street shall bear the honorary designation of "Alpha Phi Alpha Way" to celebrate the contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to the City of Annapolis.
Section 2 - Signage.
The Department of Public Works shall be directed to install appropriate signage along the designated portion of Franklin Street reflecting the honorary name "Alpha Phi Alpha Way."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this Resolution to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity or their designated representative.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.