Privileged Resolution 010031

..Title Honoring and commending Iyanla Vanzant. ..Body WHEREAS, Iyanla Vanzant began life as an abused and neglected child who overcame overwhelming obstacles to become an inspiration for women worldwide; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Medgar Evers College and Queens College Law School, Ms. Vanzant began her career serving the citizens of Philadelphia as a public defender; and WHEREAS, In an effort to grow herself spiritually and to help others make positive steps in their lives Iyanla Vanzant began to assist women on public assistance; and WHEREAS, Through her lectures to women on how to change their lives, Ms. Vanzant gathered and developed spiritual principals, self-affirmations, and personal rituals which she put to paper in her first best selling book Tapping The Power Within: A Path To Empowerment For Black Women; and WHEREAS, Tapping the Power Within began a string of successful books that appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, many which have won the Blackboard Book of the Year award and in 1999 she was recognized by the NAACP as the honoree of its Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Non Fiction; and WHEREAS, In addition to her numerous and beautiful writings Iyanla Vanzant found the time to establish the well respected Inner Visions Worldwide, Inc., a multi-cultural multi-ethnic organization devoted to enhancing the ability of individuals to improve themselves in mind body and spirit; and WHEREAS, Numerous respected publications such as Ebony, Essence, and Vibe have recognized Ms. Vanzant as being influential, intriguing and a true leader of the new millennium; and WHEREAS, Iyanla has a new masterpiece entitled, Until Today! Daily Devotions For Spiritual Growth And Piece Of Mind, which is certain to not only maintain but increase her stature as one of the most important authors in America today; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors and commends Iyanla Vanzant for her excellent work and dedication to improving the lives of people through her writings and through Inner Visions Worldwide. RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Iyanla Vanzant as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body. ..End