On His Shoulders
Special Edition Newsletter
CALLED TO SERVE CDC
FEBRUARY Editor in Chief, Abraham Shapiro
On the Road to Zion, A Lion Leads the Way Last November, Called-toServe CDC, working closely with Angela Smith as chair, and Kenneth Ashe, Attif Bostic, Daryl DeBrest, Deborah Gary, James Haynes, and Mable Welborn. successfully brought to reality, the renaming of a portion of North Broad Street (Oxford to Girard) as “Rev Dr Leon H. Sullivan Way” in honor of the man whose name the street bears. The event took place on a cold, windy day in November. But amidst the freezing temperatures and harrowing chill factor, community members and supporters bundled up in front of Leon H. Sulli-
van Charitable Trust Building to snap pictures of the many dignitaries who gathered beneath the warming sunlight to pay homage to Reverend Sullivan. Standing upon his shoulders– family members and leaders alike graced the gathering with expressions of warmth and gratitude for the great legacy Rev. Sullivan bestowed upon the world.
shohocken who worked on a farm. Like many others, John Street was granted both a start and an opportunity at the OIC, where he made friends and grew up into a remarkable man. Senator Street acknowledged that his own life was made possible and abundant because of the hard work of Rev. Sullivan.
Of one particular moving note was a speech delivered by Senator Sharif Street, the son of former Mayor John Street. Here, he recalled how Reverend Sullivan saw something special in his father- at the time just an ordinary young man in Con-
Reverend Sullivan is a true American hero who is a ROCK by which many have built houses upon. Called to Serve CDC is proudly carrying on the legacy and committed to the community and commercial corridor.
Rev Dr. Sullivan (left), Mike (center)
Reverend Mike Major is the founder and President of Called-to-Serve CDC. Everyone who knows Mike quickly realizes how humble and tender he is to all. He never
In one conversation, during a ride back to the train station, I remember Mike sharing with me his experience growing up as a follower and protégé of Rev. Sullivan. How as a young man he was brought out of the streets and given an opportunity to make something meaningful
• “LION OF ZION”. SERVED AS HEAD PASTOR OF HISTORIC ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (NORTH BROAD STREET). • CHAMPIONED AGAINST DISCRIMINIATIORY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AGAINST BLACK WORKERS AT TASTY -KAKE FACTORY (IN NICETOWN)…
AND WON. • LAUNCHED PROGRESS PLAZA (BROAD AND JEFFERESON)– THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN OWNED MALL IN US. • FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN NAMED TO A BOARD OF A MAJOR US CORPORATION (GENERAL MOTORS).
Inside this issue:
Standing Upon His Shoulders: Reverend Michael Major loses his temper, but is patient and longsuffering– possessing qualities of great leaders likened to Nelson Mandela and the Obamas.
Notable Facts of Rev LS
of his life. His gratitude was so strong, I could see a glow on his face. Later that night, Mike sent pictures and news articles educating me on the work and life of Rev. Sullivan. Standing upon Rev. Sullivan’s shoulders, Mike is a champion of dreams. Like his mentor, he demonstrates with action, character, and his heart that everyone has a purpose and a dream to be lived to the fullest of life.
SIGNATURE GOLF EVENT A SUCCESS!
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STAFF BULLETTIN
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SPOTLIGHT
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CTS HIGHLIGHT SNAP-
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SHOT
MIKE GETS AN AWARD
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ABOUT CALLED-TOSERVE
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FINAL THANK-YOU’S
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On His Shoulders
FORE!!!
Special Edition Newsletter
SAVE THE DATE! 2020 Golf Scramble Saturday, June 20th, 9am, Walnut Lane Golf Club
https://calledtoservecdc.org/golf-outing/
Ca lled-to-Serve Signature Golf Fundraiser (Sept 2019)
Four Person Scramble; Lunch; Pinochle; FUN!!! Called-To-Serve’s 1st Signature Golf Fundraiser a Success! Who doesn’t like a good time?
Golf Committee
Amidst the tireless efforts of Mike Major and the Golf Committee- last September Called to Serve proudly hosted its first ever golf fundraiser. The event was a success, as friends and partners came out to join their fellow com-
rades in an relaxing 18 hole golf scramble. The event was hosted by Walnut Lane Golf Course in Fairmount Park. Lunch was served prior to a shotgun start, after which teams of golfers went head to head to compete for first place. Also included in the event was a Pinochle tournament.
In the end, everyone was a winner. It was a time of mingling with the entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters whom the work and mission of Called to Serve belongs. On June 20th, Called to Serve will be hosting their second golf event. Please join us. You’re invited!
Thank you to all our Sponsors! Your Company Logo here!
Plastics Consulting & Manufacturing Co. Page 2
Doug Wright & Lori McCracken
CTS Staff Voices “WE HAVE NOT
”You are so Beautiful to Me”
FORGOTTEN
Shirley Williams
Hakim Allen
Accountant. Our beautiful and loving Shirley relocated to California. She was our accountant who left a big footprint of honesty and integrity. We miss her warm smile and a heart to match. A colleague and friend who was more like family. Enjoy retirement and especially all that California Sunshine. Hakim, in his neon green work uniform, at work on the corridor
Cleaning apprentice. With great heaviness, we make a tribute to our most loved Hakim Allen. Hakim sadly was a victim of gun violence last Father’s Day. We want to thank his mother Ms. Cheryl Glenn for trusting us to impart wisdom and love. We have not forgotten about Hakim. He was a dedicated worker, dear to our hearts, and taken from us- all too soon of time. Hakim we love and miss you. Rest in paradise.
HAKIM. HE WAS A DEDICATED WORKER, DEAR TO OUR HEARTS, AND TAKEN FROM US- ALL TO SOON OF TIME”
A Leap of Faith. Inside Called to Serve’s “Servants” One of the most unsung parts of serving others is that much of the effort and great risks carried on by those working the front lines are hardly ever acknowledged. In this section, it seems fit and good to give a glimpse into what some who are in the trenches are putting up so that others may benefit from their service. Over five years ago, Rev. Michael Major (CEO) and Amelia Price (Corridor Manager) embarked on a journey to revitalize the Broad Germantown and Erie Commercial Corridor and community friend by friend. They did this with genuine care for the community. Driven by a huge heart, Amelia dedicated herself fulltime for the mission– work that often requires long weeks and late nights. If this were not enough, in July 2019, Reverend Jeffery
Rev Jeff Harley
Harley likewise took a leap of faith by resigning from his job to partner full-time with CTS as its Executive Director. How are they doing it? It takes nothing less than authentic spirits with the most courageous and compassionate hearts guarded by the strongest of faiths– to which Mike, Amelia, and Jeff all have. For anyone who works at or with Called to Serve, the view looks far beyond an income, but to great sacrifice in service to others. CTS’s servants are driven by the
needs they see firsthand of the community. They never seek accolades (though some certainly do come), but simply and passionately work from the bottom of their hearts and as a team of equals. In their pursuit, they call upon others to roll up his or her sleeves, and help chase their mission and visions for a much safer, cleaner, vibrant, welcoming, peaceful, and loving commercial corridor and community. Whether it be volunteering a day, striking a partnership, or providing a helping hand. We invite your friendship and support. The past five years the team has enjoyed its fair share of wins. But the path was not without its disappointments, heartbreaks, and roadblocks. But the team finds strength in those who came before them. Remembering the great courage Rev. Sullivan showed in Page 3
the midst of power– whose shoulders the organization stands upon. Further, taking encouragement from the words of Langston Hughes’ “Mother to Son”, that in this calling- yes, life is no “crystal stair”. It has tacks, splinters, and torn up boards making the climb a bit of a hike. But amidst the travail, we’re not going to fall, but focus and fix our heart and bodies to make the climb. With every victory, the team celebrates. With every disappointment, the team prays and resets. By faith qnd not by sight the servants of Called to Serve seek to rebuild the community and make widespread difference in the lives and economics of generations who call the Nicetown-Tioga neighborhood home.
On His Shoulders
Special Edition Newsletter
SPOTLIGHT! Called to Serve’s Partners and Friends
Our New Commissioner, Inspector, Captains, and Police Officers they are successful, fun, peaceful and safe. These heroes take their duty to the community seriously, and are known by their first name by many residents. Their unending dedication is an essential part of the revitalization TO OUR HEROES, OUR FRIENDS effort. To Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, we We would be remiss if we did extend a warm welcome not recognize our local inspector, and best wishes, and look captains, and police officers who forward to working with go beyond their call of duty to you for the betterment of attend community meetings and the Corridor. look after our events– ensuring
Captain Rodriguez, Officer Barksdale
Mike, Amelia, Inspector Cram, Officer Salas
Our Leaders
Captain Ginaldi
Officer Luikaitis
Young Entrepreneurs!
We could not accomplish anything without the embrace of our city officials. We extend gratitude to all. We especially extend a very special thank you and congratulations to Mr. Harold Epps. Although CTS was in its infant stage when we met you in 2015, you obliged us with a tour of our commercial corridor along with practically every commissioner / deputy director of City departments. Mr. Epps, you and the Dept of Commerce staff believed in CTS and grew our network. As you pursue another milestone, selfishly CTS is going to miss your wisdom and expertise. We are confident the dynamic staff at Commerce will continue your legacy.
We want to spotlight three young entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about the Corridor. They want to be a voice and role model for future entrepreneurs. Howard Epps
Richard McCoy, Rolo Vinyl Mayor Kenney
3541 Germantown Ave
Jamil Scurry La‘vanter 1334 West Venango St
Paul Lim Tops Beauty Supply
US Rep Dwight Evans
Councilwoman Cindy Bass Page
3640 Germantown Ave
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News Highlights Map Kevin Hart Day (2017)
Dwight Nelson, Dwight’s Southern BBQ, is a key merchant, friend, and partner to CTS. Amelia assisted with a vendor license for DNC Convention in 2016.
Amelia and Majeedah Rashid coordinated volunteers assist events to celebrate Broad Germantown and Erie’s own KEVIN HART. Mural was raised in his honor.
Erie Community Legal Services
Jamil Scurry
In 2016, CTS in partnership with Community Legal Services conducted an Expungement Clinic to help give returning citizens a second chance.
Spotlight! Paul Lim, Tops Beauty Expansion!
Broad Spotlight! Recent investor opens boutique shop, La‘vanter.
Our Loving Church
Zion Baptist Church
Spotlight! Richard McCoy, Rolo Vinyl
Thank you! Venango St. Shriner’s Hospital Temple At Pho Restaurant, CTS and Dept. of Commerce helped Kayla Ha transform her nail salon into restaurant.
Governor Tom Wolf Site Visit
Liberty Motel
Kenderton Ontario St. Howard Foreman, Caribbean Feast, is a key merchant, friend, and partner to CTS. Amelia assisted with a vendor license for Pope visit in 2015.
Governor Wolf
Bethune Elementary
Longtime nuisance hotel CLOSED thanks to Called to Serve’s partner North10, and Officer Salas and the 25th Police District. Garnered statewide attention.
On His Shoulders
Special Edition Newsletter
Mike Major Receives PACDC’s Community Leader Award In 2019, Reverend Majors was awarded PACDC’s Community Leader Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. The Gala and Awards ceremony was held at the WHYY Public Media Commons. This was just one of several validation Mike has received for all the hard work he has poured out into the community. The award follows up previous honors he received in 2018 for his work in grow-
ing STEM programs to urban youth in distressed neighborhoods. As many can attest, Mike’s outstanding volunteer service is most realized in education– specifically the community’s youth. At Mary McLeod Bethune and Kenderton Elementary Schools, students and teachers alike hold in high esteem an appreciation for Mike’s endless love towards them. Mike is an example and influence to which school
students look up to and value with sincerity his every word. Following the example of Reverend Dr. Sullivan and others before him, Mike too is committed to the well being of his community and giving it his all so that the youth could likewise have the same opportunities his predecessors fought so hard for him to have. It is for all this, PACDC awarded him the Community Leader Award. And brick by brick he is giving it all back.
The Corridor Through the Years Broad and Germantown & Erie Corridor, Rich in History and Fundamentals As we set our eyes on the future, it is important to also remember just how rich our past is.
Perhaps the strongest evidence of the importance of the Broad and Germantown-Erie Commercial Corridor comes from its past. Serving as the city’s
“Northern Gate”, the area hosted many popular venues and businesses during the first half of the twentieth century- attracting droves from all over the city. Although the economy has largely been depleted, the residual fundamentals are still quite strong. The subway is one of the busiest in the city, Broad Street serves as a major artery into the city, and many buildings have maintained their zoning as commercial and mixed use. Such inherent factors were undoubtedly a reason why investors in the industrial era saw great opportunity here, and is why Called-To-Serve and others truly believe this may very well be Philadelphia’s greatest hidden treasure.
About Called to Serve CDC
Special Mentions
Special thanks to Council President Darrell Clarke & Councilwoman Cindy Bass for passing legislation to rename the streets after Rev. Sullivan.
And To our loving church family of Zion Baptist, we cannot complete the letter without a special mention of you. Your unending support, there are not enough words to convey our appreciation for your prayers and care for the work we do.
