Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 1 01/02/2024 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING The Met Philadelphia North Broad Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania January 2, 2024 10:20 a.m. PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT KENYATTA JOHNSON COUNCILWOMAN NINA AHMAD COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS COUNCILWOMAN KENDRA BROOKS COUNCILMAN MICHAEL DRISCOLL COUNCILWOMAN JAMIE GAUTHIER COUNCILWOMAN KATHERINE GILMORE RICHARDSON COUNCILMAN JIM HARRITY COUNCILMAN CURTIS J. JONES, JR. COUNCILWOMAN RUE LANDAU COUNCILWOMAN QUETCY M. LOZADA COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN NICOLAS O'ROURKE COUNCILMAN ANTHONY PHILLIPS COUNCILMAN MARK F. SQUILLA COUNCILMAN ISAIAH THOMAS COUNCILMAN JEFFREY YOUNG MICHAEL A. DECKER, CHIEF CLERK Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 2 01/02/2024 1/2/24 INAUGURATION - STATED MEETING
Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Welcome to the investiture of members of Council, the organization of the City Council, the inauguration of the Honorable Cherelle L. Parker as Mayor, and the investiture of members of the Judiciary, and City Commissioners, Sheriff, Register of Wills and City Controller. We ask that you please turn off all cellular phones and electronic devices for the remainder of the ceremony. Thank you. At this time, I'm going to ask that you will please rise and bow your heads for the invocation given by the Reverend Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler of the Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Let us pray. Good morning, God. As we gather for this auspicious occasion this morning, reminded of the words Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 3 01/02/2024 of Mrs. Elizabeth Willing Powel, wife of Philadelphia's first postRevolutionary War Mayor. Mrs. Powel, had she been born in yet another time, being the daughter of a Mayor and the brother of another Mayor may have been a Mayor herself, and yet though she was denied that opportunity, her words echoed down through the question asked of Benjamin Franklin at the closing of the Constitutional Convention held in this City. Mr. Franklin, do we have a republic or a monarchy? A republic, he responded, if you can keep it. We pray this morning not necessarily for the nation but for this City that celebrates the fact that this is a republic, that this is a democracy and yet if it is to be true to the words on the paper, it will only be so if we as he said, fight together to keep it. But first, we pray this Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 4 01/02/2024 morning for our incoming Mayor and her cabinet. We pray for our incoming City Council and their President. We pray for members of the Judiciary, newly-elected and retained. We pray for the City Commissioners, for the Sheriff, the Register of Wills, the City Controller and all of those who will be appointed to work side-by-side with them. And yet we recognize that praying for them is not enough if we want to keep this democracy. We now pray for ourselves. We pray that we remember the casting of votes to help elect someone is not the end of our responsibility but only the beginning if we as a city are to succeed. We come to pray that our words that we expressed in protest marches, that these are our streets will be more than just slogans and will show up not just for demonstrations but for hearings and Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 5 01/02/2024 public meetings and for zoning commission gatherings. We pray that we'll hold fast this democracy that's government of the people, by the people and for the people because all of us, elected and not, will do our part. And less we fret, that the problems that Philadelphia faces are too big for all of us together. We are not the first brothers and sisters, siblings to face broken-down, burned-out walls and rubble. The Bible that I preach from reminds me of a similar time as our own and the Prophet Nehemiah was appointed to rebuild a broken-down, burned-out wall. But Mayor Nehemiah knew he couldn't do it alone so he encouraged the people to work together. And side-by-side artists, skilled laborers, bakers, people who just worked in their homes all gathered together to rebuild the wall. And the wall went back up Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 6 01/02/2024 because the people had a mind to work. Give us now God a mind to work as we support our elected officials. And fill us each with holy imagination that will wash away pessimism, doubt and despair. Help us to see a bold new vision of Philadelphia and what is possible as we begin and finish building this wall together. And let it be said of us as it was said in Nehemiah's day when they finished the wall that there were no gaps left in it. Help us to close the gap together, the gap of drug addiction, the gap of gun violence, the gap of income disparity, the gap of racial disparity, the gender gap, the gender identity gap, the gentrification gap, the health care gap, the gap between housed and unhoused, the gap that prevents those with disabilities from fully accessing everything our city has to offer. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 7 01/02/2024 Oh God, use us to close the mass incarceration gap. Let us even close the trash gap that has too many neighborhoods living with mountains of trash on the corners that depress the spirit of the residents and the neighbors.
Fill us with holy imagination to see a city that is safe for all residents to walk down whether you're in Center City or out in the neighborhoods. And when we meet the naysayers that will tell the Mayor, that will tell the Council, that will tell others that we can't do it, there's not enough to go around, remind us that you are still the God who sits high and looks low, that you are still the God with a cattle on a thousand hills. You're still the God that will supply all our needs. You're still the God with all things are possible. And so, God, fill us in this way that when we are finished Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 8 01/02/2024 working on the wall, that we will have a city of opportunity that works not for some but that works for all. It's in the name of Jesus that I pray and ask it all, let it be so.
Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing as the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments and the Prison guards present the colors while the Girard Academic Music Program Concert Choir leads us in singing the National Anthem. The choir is directed by Dominique DeSilva. (Colors are presented and the National Anthem sung.) (Applause.)
Ladies and gentlemen, we would ask that you please remain standing as the Boys Latin of Philadelphia Brothers In Song perform the "Black National Anthem." The choir is directed by Renard Golden. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 9 01/02/2024 (Brief recess.)
We apologize for this moment of technical difficulty. You may gratefully take your seats. And now, ladies and gentlemen, once again we would ask that you would please make welcome the Boys Latin of Philadelphia Brothers In Song choir as they perform the "Black National Anthem." The choir is directed by Renard Golden. (The Boys Latin of Philadelphia Brothers in Song performs.) (Applause.)
Ladies and gentlemen, you may once again be seated. And now we would ask that you would please help us to welcome City Council President Darrell L. Clarke to the podium. (Applause.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 10 01/02/2024
Interesting day and a great day. So first of all, I want to thank everyone for being here today in a historic venue, a venue where we will recognize a historic moment. For the last time for me I would like to welcome you to the 5th Councilmanic District. Today one of our special guests we have joining us on the stage, the Honorable Marcia Fudge, Lieutenant Governor Austin A. Davis, Senator Bob Casey, U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle, U.S. Representative Dwight Evans, U.S. Representative Mary Kay Scanlon, State Senator Anthony H. Williams, State Rep. Joanna E. McClinton, also Speaker of the House, State Rep. Jordan A. Harris, State Rep. Regina Young, Former U.S. Representative Bob Brady and Former Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Coun -- affectionately known to us as The Boss, former Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 11 01/02/2024 Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Senator Vincent Hughes, also former, current, I'm not quite sure, Mayor James A. Kenney -- F. Kenney, we'll see in a moment and former Mayor John F. Street and former Mayor W. Wilson Goode. Members of the Judiciary, the Honorable Timika Lane, the Honorable Lydia Kirkland, the Honorable Nina Wright Padilla, the Honorable Patrick Dugan, the Honorable Carolyn H. Nichols and the Honorable John Sabatina, Jr. And our Clergy members: Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler, and thank you, Reverend, for the spirited prayer this morning and Bishop James Darrell Robinson, Reverend Bonnie Camarda, Amir Qasim Rashad, Rabbi Solomon Isaacson, Reverend Joseph Kelley, Archbishop Nelson Perez and Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller and the Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer. Also, wish to acknowledge elected officials joining us today in Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 12 01/02/2024 the audience. The members of the Honorary Inaugural Committee and the Co-Chairs of the Inaugural Committee: Dawn Chavous, also soon to be known as the First Lady, Leo Addimando, Reverend James A. Lovette, Ronald Martin, Marian B. Tasco, Garrett Snider, Gladys James and Tonyelle Cook-Artis. I now invite Bishop James Darrell Robinson of Yesha Ministries, the Reverend Bonnie Camarda, Director of Partnerships of the Salvation Army, Amir Qasim Rashad of the United Muslim Masjid and Rabbi Solomon Isaacson of Congregation Beth Solomon to offer a unity prayer for the City. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the Unity Prayer for our city.
As we stand here united by the purpose of God's grace through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come, it's God's grace that has brought us safe Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 13 01/02/2024 thus far and his grace will lead us home. We're grateful to a mighty God for this opportunity to pray and to come together in unity. We come from different faiths, but we believe in a God that brings all mankind together. The Bible says how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. This is an awesome time that this City can be unified around this great Administration that's coming in. And so, we thank God for his grace. We thank God for his mercy. We thank God because we trust him and that he's able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think. The Bible declares that he is the king of glory. And so, we give God thanks and we believe that if we come together like this and we give God the praise that belongs to him, whatever your faith traditionally is, wherever you're Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 14 01/02/2024 from, whatever church, mosque, synagogue, let's take a moment right now and give God the best praise we can give him. Because of him we're here and we thank God for all that he's doing. The word of God says the book of Malachi proclaims that have we not all one Father. Have not one God created us. And so, we pray for the unity that Jesus prayed. He said, Father, make them one even as we are one. And we pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen. (Amen.)
The prayers and peace be upon you, his blessings and his mercy in this 2024 calendar year. I bear witness there's no God, nothing, no deity worthy of worship except Almighty God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 15 01/02/2024 messenger. Our unity prayer for the City today is that we all come together as one Philadelphia to make transformational changes that positively impacts our city and improves the quality of life for all working class people. As we begin this new year, we pray for peace in our city, our country and across the world. We pray for the poor and suffering, people of this city who have suffered poverty and social injustice. We pray for the poor and the oppressed who have suffered the violence of war in Africa, in the Ukraine and in Gaza. Salaam-Alaikaum. Ameen.
Let us continue in the spirit of prayer. (Spanish translation). We ask God to grant every person under the sound of our voice wisdom, patience and understanding. And we ask God to protect our leaders and our city. Blessed all the newly-elected and Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 16 01/02/2024 reinstated officials who have chosen the life of public service to focus on the needs of its people who collected to serve. (Spanish translation). Thank you Lord because we are united in prayer. We are one no matter where we come from, no matter what type of background we have, no matter what religion. Father, I pray that you will make us one. Thank you for this opportunity. In the name of Jesus, and the people say Amen. And the people say? (Amen.)
You know, when I looked at the invitation and I saw my name at the bottom, I figured everybody would be happy to see me because they would know the program was over, but then I realized that I didn't read it right. First, let me read what they wrote here. We ask God to grant every person -- no, we pray that all Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 17 01/02/2024 obstacles and barriers that would keep our leaders from working together are removed. We pray that individuals choose to show love instead of hate, to exude forgiveness instead of vengeance and to show compassion instead of cruelty. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our new Mayor, which I've known for quite a few years and our new President of City Council, which I've known for many years and the rest of the new Councilmembers and the old Councilmembers, which I've known for many, many years. I've been hanging around City Hall since the mid '70s. Anyway, I would like to say the prayer that the Almighty says in the Bible where he commands Aaron to bless the people of Israel, and I bless you with this prayer. (Hebrew translation.) May God bless you and protect you. May he shine his shine, his Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 18 01/02/2024 countenance upon you. May he look at you at all times with favor. May he grant you your blessings and your wishes and your good health, which is very important. (Hebrew translation.) May he always shine his face upon you. May he always smile on you. May he always grant you good health and happiness. May the Almighty bless our new Mayor -- our incoming Mayor because she hasn't been sworn in yet, right, our incoming Mayor and our incoming President of City Council with much health and happiness and success. And I hope and pray that everyone in City Council and City government will work with them together to make this city better than any other city in the country, to make this city a place where people will want to live, where people will die to come to Philadelphia -- not die, but you Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 19 01/02/2024 know. (Laughter.)
May the new Mayor and President of City Council work together with compatriots and build this city so strong that it can withstand bigotry, anti-Semitism, that it can withstand all the things that are wrong in life and make this a city not only that we can be proud of, but that the entire country can be proud of. Amen. (Amen.) (Applause.)
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. You can please be seated. This being the day fixed by the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter for the organization of the Council for the City of Philadelphia the hour has arrived, and we will now proceed with the organization of Council and the investiture of Councilmembers. The first order of business Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 20 01/02/2024 will be the election of a temporary Chairperson. Nominations are now in order. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
Good morning, Council President. Good morning, colleagues. And good morning to the public. Thank you for the recognition, Council President. I proudly nominate Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. (Applause.)
And the Chair now recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Are there any other nominations? (No response.)
There being none, the Chair Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 21 01/02/2024 recognizes Councilmember Jones.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the nomination be closed.
The Chair thanks the gentleman and recognizes Councilwoman Ahmad.
Thank you. All in favor of the motion say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And the nominations are closed. There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of Councilmember Gilmore Richardson will say aye. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 22 01/02/2024 (Aye.)
The ayes have it. And Councilmember Gilmore Richardson has been dulyelected temporary Chairperson. (Applause.)
But before I relinquish this gavel to my colleague Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, you all didn't think I was not going to say a couple of words. I'd just like to just say a couple of words and starting out as the staff person at the 5th Councilmanic District. Let me do this now -- he moved off the table. Well, first of all as I said, good morning everyone, and it's an honor for the final time where I'll host this historic event and we're going to witness a lot of history today. Philadelphia is of course a Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 23 01/02/2024 city of historic firsts and we're witnessing a few more of those today. I'm so proud to live in a city, as the Rabbi said, that is constantly working towards a more inclusive democracy, and this stage reflects that today. And before I say anything else, I need to give thanks one final time to the residents of the City of Philadelphia for giving me this awesome, awesome privileged opportunity -(Applause.)
With your passion, your letters, your social media posts, your calls and emails and sometimes your screams, you made me a better public official, and I thank you for that. For everyone on this stage whether this is your first term or you've been here for a little bit, I want to thank you for choosing to serve Philadelphia. In a democracy representing the people is one of the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 24 01/02/2024 most important things that you will ever do in your life, and I really mean that so you should take that seriously. The people have chosen you, a diverse, energetic, passionate and talented group of individuals to bring your expertise and your life experiences to these roles and make decisions that serve their needs. You are educators, scientists, activists, community leaders, business owners who share one common belief, that Philadelphia's best days is still ahead. In my years as an elected official in the City, we've experienced some difficult times. In fact, when I stood on this stage in January 2020 nobody realized that three months from that time that we would be experiencing some very serious challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and the resulting economic instability in the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 25 01/02/2024 most unprecedented downturn that we've seen. But like we always do as a city, we found ways to serve each other, to lift each other up, to help the folks who needed assistance, to rebuild, to support local businesses and to work together towards better days. It was a reminder that public service is not only for folks on this stage and people who work in the City jobs. Public service is volunteering to be a block captain. It's organizing a community clean-up. It's volunteering for the Safe Corridors so the neighborhood kids can walk to school safely. It's letting your neighbors know about City programs they may not have heard about like the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative. All right, City Council. It's all that and more. So it's about believing that the City's best days are ahead of us and that you have a Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 26 01/02/2024 part to play in getting us there. So everyone in the City has expertise and life experiences that can turn to public service. So find the need in your community and make that connection and help others find the connection to serve. That's how we take our city to the next level and make sure that our success creates opportunities for everyone. It's how we took a historic theater like we're standing in today, and somebody said they wanted to demolish it. But we made it into this awesome venue where the first woman Mayor of this great city will take her oath. So I get to actually announce two family members, Little sister and Little brother. And now, I got to start calling them Big brother and Little sister. To Mayor Parker, Council President Johnson, members of City Council, Commissioners, Judges, Controller, Sheriff, Register and the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 27 01/02/2024 residents of Philadelphia, I wish you all a blessed day. I want to thank you so much again for this awesome opportunity and success and happiness in your service to others, and God bless you all. I really appreciate you. God bless you. (Applause.)
Thank you again, Council President Darrell L. Clarke, for 42 years of tireless and dedicated service to the great city of Philadelphia. As the next order of business, I appoint Mr. Michael Decker temporary Clerk. At this time, I will remind Bible-holders to please follow the program. We will swear in members of City Council shortly. If you are participating in this part of the program, please make your way to the stage along the aisle on the right Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 28 01/02/2024 side of the venue as you face the stage and follow the signs for further direction. Thank you. The next order of business is the filing of the certificates of election. The Clerk will call the roll. I direct the Clerk to call the roll beginning with the Councilmembers-at-large in alphabetical order and then to proceed with the District Councilmembers in order of their District, beginning with the 1st District.
Present. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 29 01/02/2024
Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 30 01/02/2024 Present.
Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, a quorum of the members-elect is present and I have in my possession certificates of election from the County Board of Elections in Philadelphia indicating their election on November 7, 2023 for a term of four years, commencing on the first Monday of January 2024.
The investiture of members of Council will now proceed. The members-elect will rise to take Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 31 01/02/2024 the oath of office, which will be administered by the Honorable Timika Lane, Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. (Applause.) JUDGE LANE: Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE LANE: Congratulations. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the election of a President of City Council for the City of Philadelphia to serve for four years, commencing January 2nd, 2024. Nominations are now in order. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Lozada.
I proudly and with great honor nominate Kenyatta Johnson. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 32 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
Thank you. At this time, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Phillips.
Are there any further nominations? (No response.)
Hearing none, the Chair now recognizes Councilmember Bass.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move the nominations be closed. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE RICHARDSON. Thank you, Councilmember Bass. The Chair now recognizes Councilmember Landau.
Madam Chair, I second the motion. COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 33 01/02/2024 RICHARDSON: It has been moved and properly seconded that the nominations be closed. All in favor of the motion will signify by stating aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is carried. There being no further nominations, all those in favor of the election of the Honorable Kenyatta Johnson as President of City Council -(Applause.)
Those opposed? (No response.) COUNCILWOMAN GILMORE Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 34 01/02/2024 RICHARDSON: The ayes have it. However, the temporary Clerk will call the roll.
Councilmember Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 36 01/02/2024 Young.
Okay. Got to vote for yourself. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson having been unanimously chosen by the members of Philadelphia City Council, I declare that Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson is the duly-elected President of this body. (Applause.)
I appoint Councilmembers Squilla, Thomas, Bass and Lozada to escort Council President Johnson to the rostrum. Joining the Council President at the rostrum will be his wife Dawn Chavous and his two sons Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 37 01/02/2024 Isaiah Mandela and Elijah Kwame Johnson. The oath of office will be administered by the Honorable Timika Lane, Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. JUDGE LANE: Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE LANE: Congratulations. (Applause.)
It is now my humble honor and privilege to present to you the President of City Council, the Honorable Kenyatta Johnson.
Good morning and Happy New Year. I want to thank everyone for being here today for this very exciting historic Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 38 01/02/2024 occasion. I want to first thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the anchor in my life. Before I share with you my vision and focus as the new leader of City Council, I want to take a moment to acknowledge a few people starting with the love of my life, the wind beneath my wings, the joy of my soul, my beautiful wife Dawn Chavous. (Applause.)
I want to publicly thank Dawn for her unconditional love, encouragement and support. I also want to thank her for always having my back and graciously dealing with the sacrifices and challenges that come along with marrying a public servant. I love you, babe. (Applause.)
Although I love this City and I love being a public servant, my first job is that of being a father. I want to Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 39 01/02/2024 acknowledge my two young kings, Isaiah Mandela and Elijah Kwame, who always keep me grounded as a dad. I am always prioritizing the time I spend with them, whether it's dropping them off to school, going to basketball practice at the Christian Street YMCA, basketball and soccer games with the Mary Anderson Monarchs, musical lessons at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz Performing Arts or just making it home for dinner and hanging out playing Madden Football on the PS5. Yes, they have a busy schedule. I am so proud of my boys and honored to be their father. Dawn and I also are grateful to have a tight network of support, including our parents: Ronald Martin; Robert, Big Bob, Chavous; Barbara Chavous-Pennock and David Pennock; our nieces; nephews; extended family members; our church families and very close friends who Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 40 01/02/2024 are here with us today. It definitely takes a village of support when you live a life of a public servant and are also raising young children, and we are grateful for ours. Thank you. (Applause.)
I must also acknowledge the late Hardy Williams, a former Pennsylvania State Representative and Senator, who was my political mentor. (Applause.)
Hardy Williams was the co-founder of the Black Political Forum and is considered by many to be the Godfather of Black independent politics in Philadelphia. He paved the way for so many people who have served in public office, including me. I want to thank his son, Senator Anthony Hardy Williams -(Applause.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 41 01/02/2024
-- who continued in his father's footsteps in believing in the power of young people. Senator Williams have mentored and provided a pathway to politics and a life of public service for the likes of Pennsylvania House of Appropriations Majority Chair Jordan Harris, State Representative Regina Young, Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Timika Lane, and the first female speaker of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Honorable Joanna McClinton. (Applause.)
Tony, your dad is smiling down on you today with a sense of pride and joy. Thank you, Big Bro, for always believing in me, having my back and pushing me to be great. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge my former Professor when I attended the University of Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 42 01/02/2024 Pennsylvania Fels School of Government, the outgoing Mayor Jim Kenney for his eight-tenure as Mayor -(Applause.)
-- and 23 years of service as an At-large member of City Council. During Mayor Kenney's tenure, I admired how he boldly decided to make rebuilding our parks, playgrounds and recreation centers a cornerstone of his agenda, because all children and families deserve high-quality amenities regardless of their neighborhood. He also made sure that thousands of children had access to high-quality PreK to set them on a path of academic achievement as a means to combat poverty. Mayor Kenney, thank you for your service for the 1.6 million Philadelphians who live in our city and thank you for your friendship. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 43 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
I also want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to my other big brother, the now Former 5th District Councilmember and City Council President Darrell Clarke. (Applause.)
I want to thank Council President Clarke for his service to the City of Philadelphia. Council President Clarke served the residents of the 5th Council District for 24 years, 12 as Council President. I want to publicly thank you for your wisdom and support throughout your tenure. I remember that while I was serving as a State Representative we discussed the possibility of me joining you in City Council. You talked passionately about how City Hall is where the rubber meets the road and when it comes to improving Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 44 01/02/2024 neighborhoods. We also talked about the immediate and transformative impact I can have on the constituents of the 2nd Council District. Thank you, Council President Clarke, for your friendship and dedicated service to our city. Also, retiring from City government today is now former At-large Councilmember Sharon Vaughn. Councilmember Vaughn -- give my sister a round of applause. (Applause.)
Councilmember Vaughn served this legislative body with distinction during her short term in office. During Councilmember Vaughn's tenure, she led the effort to hold Council hearings on the embarrassing conditions of the Philadelphia Prison System after several inmates escaped from State Road. As a result, changes are now being made to the prison system due to her efforts. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 45 01/02/2024 Thank you, Sharon, for your service and dedication to the City of Philadelphia. In a few minutes we will witness history and swear in the Honorable Cherelle Parker, the 100th Mayor and first woman to hold this office in our city's history. (Applause.)
We have worked together for years in the Pennsylvania General Assembly as well as in City Council. My fellow City Councilmembers and I look forward to working with you to make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest city in America with economic opportunity for all. Did I get that right, Cherelle?
Madam Mayor, with your passion and commitment for change and your can-do Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 46 01/02/2024 attitude, there is a new sense of hope and optimism to transform Philadelphia into one of the most economically, viable and greatest cities not just in this nation but in the world. I'm looking forward to us rolling up our sleeves and working together to take the City of Philadelphia to the next level. Now, at times my colleagues and I will disagree with Mayor Parker on important issues facing our city. However, disagreements and compromise are a natural part of the legislative process. Astute politicians recognize that good effective leadership means we will agree more than we disagree. I recognize at this moment in the history of Philadelphia it is too important to squander over the politics of personalities and personal agendas. We have an opportunity to do something special as we improve the quality of life for Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 47 01/02/2024 all Philadelphians. While City Council is an independent-elected body, my colleagues and I will work every day to seek opportunities, a partnership with not only the Mayor, but anybody willing to work with us to help move our great city forward. There is nothing that we as Philadelphians cannot do when we all work together. As I embark upon this new role as Council President, I want to say sincerely and humbly, thank you to the 16 members of City Council for believing in me, trusting me and for having faith in my ability to lead this body into a new day. Colleagues, you have my word that I will represent this body with fidelity and professionalism. I will always have your back and govern in a just and fair manner. I make this same pledge to all the citizens of Philadelphia. This new year is a dawn of a new era in a very exciting Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 48 01/02/2024 time in the City of Philadelphia, an era filled with hope and infinite possibilities. On the stage today, we have one of the most diverse and inclusive City Council bodies in the history of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
A third of our body are new members and will be serving for the first time. Our diversity is our strength. And in the birthplace of democracy it truly exemplifies a governmental body where all citizens can have their voices, issues and concerns heard. This morning I would like to share my vision with City Council with you. As Council President, there are five major areas of focus that will shape the agenda that I plan to work on with my fellow Council colleagues, Mayor Parker and Philadelphia over the next four years. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 49 01/02/2024 I will start with one of the most important issues facing our city today, gun violence. Laron Williams, Nikolette Rivera, Devin Weedon, Da'Juan Brown, Kaylin Johnson. These are just a few of the names of children who have lost their lives to gun violence in our city. Yes, the homicide and shooting numbers have gone down from last year to this year, but I am no way celebrating. It means that what we are doing is working, but it's not enough. We must do more and we will do more. Each one of the young people I named will never grow old, never have a family of their own and their families, who have been impacted by this senseless gun violence, will be affected by their tragic loss for the rest of their lives. I'm sharing this with you because we can no longer desensitize or normalize this behavior. As long Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 50 01/02/2024 as I have breath in my lungs, I will continue to fight and advocate for solutions until the epidemic of gun violence is totally eliminated and we create a city of peace, not guns. (Applause.)
We can continue this downward trend of murders and shootings in our city this year and in the future, but we all must work together, elected officials, community leaders, business leaders, the District Attorney and, yes, the police department as well to achieve this goal. I am looking forward to supporting the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department, and my good friend new Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. I had the great opportunity to work in the trenches with Commissioner Bethel when he served as Captain of the 17th Police District working every day to Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 51 01/02/2024 keep guns out of the hands of our young people. I also want to take a moment to just acknowledge to our Mayor Cherelle Parker. That was an outstanding choice for Police Commissioner. Give her a real big round of applause. (Applause.)
I also look forward to continuing a partnership with the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, which administers the Gun Violence Task Force to go after traffickers in our city. Those who flood our streets with illegal guns must know that there is no place that they can hide anymore. City government must also work and partner with victim services organizations like Mothers In Charge, Every Murder is Real, Moms United by Agencies and other agencies to Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 52 01/02/2024 support victims and co-victims of gun violence to make our city safer. These groups work day-in and day-out to support mothers and fathers and families who have been impacted by gun violence. We must make sure their voices are heard. We also have to continue investing in violence prevention initiatives that are results-driven, which means that our most valuable assets which are our boots-on-the-ground organizations like NOMO, The Young Chances Foundation, Unity in the Community, the Father's Day Rally Committee and the Fathership Foundation are supported and have a seat at the table as we strategize to create a safer city. As Council President, I will work with my colleagues and others to spread a citywide message of peace, not guns. We must make investing in our youth a priority through public Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 53 01/02/2024 policy, focusing on addressing their trauma, mental health and the posttraumatic stress disorder they are experiencing as a result of living in neighborhoods with severe gun violence. Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said, "There is nothing more important to this nation's future than investing in our young people." If we cannot protect our young people from the dangers of gun violence, then we have failed as a city. As we examine this issue of crime and gun violence in our city, we must recognize that unless we address the core underlying symptoms, Kendra Brooks, which is poverty in the years and years of disinvestments in Black and Brown neighborhoods, we will continue to be on this never-ending cycle in Philadelphia. (Applause.)
And the neighborhoods where we see Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 54 01/02/2024 the highest levels of gun violence, Jamie, and violent crime, you also see high rates of poverty. We must break the cycle and that starts today with this new City Council and our new Mayor because it's a new day. (Applause.)
I want to take a moment, a personal moment, to thank City Councilmember Curtis Jones for his years of work on this issue. (Applause.)
He's been Council's Chairman of the Public Safety Committee for years and I'm proud of the work we've accomplished together during my years as a member of the Committee under his leadership. Back in September, he held the blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia Crime Summit at St. Joe's University. I would be remiss if I also didn't acknowledge and thank Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 55 01/02/2024 Councilman Dwight Evans who established the foundation and created the original blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia. (Applause.)
We appreciate his efforts in laying the groundwork many years ago. As a result of the Crime Summit, Councilman Jones hosted last year, he released more than 140 recommendations just over two weeks ago. I look forward to working with Councilmember Jones and other members of Council to implement recommendations from the blueprint and continue to collaborate on our shared mission to make Philadelphia a safer city for all of its residents. It's going to take all of us in this room and even those watching online to support this effort. We need to act with a sense of urgency so names can stop being added to the list of children who have lost their Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 56 01/02/2024 lives too soon to senseless gun violence. Our second major area of focus is eliminating poverty in our city. Nobody in this room needs to be reminded that Philadelphia has been labeled the poorest big city in the America with a poverty rate that remains above 21 percent, and that's despite steady improvements over the last decade. While our city has seen important signs of economic growth, these gains have not been evenly shared across the City, leading to what many call a tale of two cities. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that roughly in 8 White households in America experience poverty, but in African American households are living below the poverty line. Meanwhile, 33 percent of Hispanic households, the highest of any ethnic group, have incomes below the poverty level. And at the neighborhood Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 57 01/02/2024 level, these statistics are just as stark. Any individual Councilmember can illustrate our city's economic divide by looking closely at the different neighborhoods that make up their Districts. We must double-down on our resources and become laserfocused on lifting impoverished neighborhoods out of poverty. We must find ways to put all Philadelphians back to work. No matter your education level or whether you are returning home from incarceration, we must put people back to work. We must erase the stigma -(Applause.)
We must erase the stigma of being the largest big city with the highest poverty rate and become the number one big city in America for economic growth and development. We will achieve this through focusing on Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 58 01/02/2024 increasing diversity and inclusion and equitable ownership on City-supported development projects and improving procurement, supplier and professional services opportunities for Black-, Brown- and women-owned businesses. (Applause.)
While working in partnership with the diverse Chambers of Commerce, the Building Trades and establishing public and private partnerships in the nonprofit and business sector, it is incumbent upon us as City leaders to understand why our city's growth has not been shared equitably across every community and neighborhood. We must take steps to ensure that every family regardless of their zip code or background has a pathway out of poverty and an opportunity to build generational wealth. (Applause.)
Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 59 01/02/2024 Growing our city's economy and creating good-paying, familysustaining jobs is an important piece of that puzzle. It is critically important that our city puts in the hard work to ensure that every community has access to these opportunities and that every family shares in this prosperity. Many of the issues that I am highlighting today are interconnected. Violence in our city is impacted by poverty. And the effect of poverty is housing insecurity, which is my third area of focus. According to our city's Office of Homelessness, there are currently 4,725 people living without functional housing in our city and will not have a home to go to this evening. That is totally unacceptable. We must continue to acknowledge and confront our housing crisis by addressing the critical Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 60 01/02/2024 need for more affordable and workforce housing options and give more funding to programs to help residents prepare and stay in their homes. Thank you, Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. (Applause.)
As we focus on equitable development through public policy, we must find a healthy balance between supporting affordable housing and market rate development without the displacement of long-term residents. In the spirit of Council President Darrell Clarke, the City Council's Turn the Key Program, which is on the verge of providing 1,000 new homes for first-time homebuyers and my recent Save Our Homes Property Tax Relief Plan, which reduces displacement through making property taxes fairer and more transparent, our initiatives are already having a positive impact on this issue. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 61 01/02/2024 Strategizing and working with the Philadelphia Housing Authority is also key to addressing this crisis. We can do more and we will do more because it's a new day, ladies and gentlemen. (Applause.)
My fourth area of focus is public education, Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Mr. Chair Isaiah Thomas. We must closely examine our education system and prioritize the needs of students attending PreK through 12th grade schools in Philadelphia to make sure we are striving for excellence and academic achievement and positive experiences and outcomes for all students. To me this means making sure our school buildings are joyful, welcoming and in a safe learning environment that are lead- and asbestos-free as well as ensuring Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 62 01/02/2024 that we have safe corridors so students don't have to worry about what may happen to them going to and from school. Now, just take a moment and imagine with me what our city would be like if children could attend school in a gun violence-free environment. We do not need to just imagine it. It is possible for this to become a reality if we are all willing to work together and work with a sense of urgency. Just imagine how students would feel walking into a new clean building that has proper heating and air-conditioning. Addressing many of these issues take resources, which the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has, Mr. Chairman of Appropriations Jordan Harris. (Applause.)
I plan to work diligently with Mayor Parker and members of the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 63 01/02/2024 Pennsylvania House and Senate in Harrisburg to make sure all of our students in Philadelphia have the funding needed to properly educate students in a safe and welcoming, state-of-the-art school building and also ensure that students are able to benefit from a fair funding formula. The inequality of student funding in Pennsylvania is shameful and almost criminal. I want to thank our Governor Josh Shapiro for investing more money in Pennsylvania school districts, but the School District of Philadelphia is still severely underfunded. This is confirmed by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruling that recently declared Pennsylvania's school funding system is unconstitutional. We need more funding in our public school system, but we also need to make sure we have accountability to ensure increased Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 64 01/02/2024 funding will increase academic outcomes for students. We must give our teachers and principles the tools and resources they need to create a culture of academic excellence without having to teach in overcrowded classrooms, purchasing school supplies out of their own pockets and fearing for the safety of their lives and the lives of their students in the backdrop of neighborhoods filled with gun violence. We must also address our truancy crisis. Students need to be in school every day and not hanging at home or in the streets. (Applause.) Councilman Phillips, thank you. Our children and our youth deserve better. And I know working with Mayor Parker and our School Superintendent, Dr. Tony Watlington, we can and will do better. Excuses are not an option. It is a new day Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 65 01/02/2024 and we will need to expect and accomplish more for our students. (Applause.)
It will take all of us working together to improve public education. We want students to graduate and become productive citizens because students today will become our workforce tomorrow, which leads me to the last major area of focus that I would like to address today. In order to have a thriving economy, we must have a visually strong workforce and an evolving strong and diverse business community. This means we have to drastically improve the way we do business in Philadelphia by creating a much easier, welcoming and user-friendly business environment. We need a tax structure that encourages businesses to move into Philadelphia and most importantly stay in Philadelphia. I hear from Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 66 01/02/2024 individuals all the time that it is extremely difficult and frustrating to do business with the City of Philadelphia. Over the next four years, we must not only reform our tax structure and regulatory environment to make our city more business-friendly and economically competitive, we must also evaluate the burden City government puts on businesses and eliminate outdated systems that make it more difficult to do business. (Applause.)
We must develop innovative ways to make accessing City services less complicated. I also believe we can find a healthier and fair balance between providing tax relief for businesses while also significantly investing in small businesses which are the bedrock of our economy and our neighborhoods. It is also Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 67 01/02/2024 important for us to support Black and Brown female-owned businesses as a way to make sure they are on the same playing field as men. (Applause.)
When supporting small businesses and businesses of color, it allows us to expand our tax base which provides the revenue needed to continue supporting our City's budget priorities. As the President of City Council, I recognize that the creation of a City budget is about the scarce distribution of resources to serve the entire city. But we must create an equitable budget that takes into consideration the issues and concerns of the most vulnerable citizens of Philadelphia. Now, I have laid out an ambitious vision for City Council and Philadelphia over the next four years, but it is a new day and let me hear everyone say it is a new day. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 68 01/02/2024 (It is a new day.)
I know working together we can get it done and we will get it done. Now, I need to take just a few moments to clear up some misperceptions about me as a person and as a leader as well as address the footnote that is consistently a part of every article written about me and my family. (Applause.)
As everyone knows, in recent years my wife Dawn and I went through trials and tribulations that made a lot of people across this region question our integrity. Those were challenging days. But every single day my wife and I got up, held our heads high and continued working and taking care of our family. (Applause.)
But most importantly, kept serving the people of Philadelphia. During Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 69 01/02/2024 that time, individuals from across the City and state and people from all ethnic races and ethnic backgrounds throughout Philadelphia, including many of my City Council colleagues on this stage today, stood beside us, supported us and prayed for us. They knew our integrity. They knew our work ethic. They knew our heart and they knew our innocence. On November 2nd of 2022, 12 women and men saw through the falsehoods and by the grace of God our future is a bright one. (Applause.)
This story sounds like something out of a Hollywood script, but it is not. It is a real-life story. It is our real-life story that played out in front of an entire city and world. And at the end of the day, we are here on this stage because of the grace of God. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 70 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
We are here on the stage because of the grace of God who I know and believe has ordered our steps. Today 14 months later we are still here, still standing stronger than ever and I have the distinct honor of being the new President of the Philadelphia City Council, one of the greatest cities in the world. (Applause.)
What a difference a year makes. I have dedicated my entire life to public service. And I say life and not career, because when you do this work for the right reasons which is it to help those in need, it's not just a job. It's the way of life. Despite all of the adversity we have been through, I have never stopped fighting for the citizens of Philadelphia and I never will. This is the type of leader I am. I am Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 71 01/02/2024 going to keep showing up. I am going to keep working and together we are going to get the job done. Thank you. Thank you, Philadelphia. Thank you for believing in me. And I just want to say God bless the City of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. God bless. (Applause.)
Thank you. The next order of business is the election of the Chief Clerk of City Council in the City of Philadelphia. The nominations are now in order. And the Chair recognizes Councilman Driscoll.
Thank you, Mr. President. I nominate Mr. Michael Decker.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 72 01/02/2024 Councilmember Young.
Are there any other further nominations? (No response.)
Hearing none, the Chair recognizes Councilmember Harrity.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the nominations are closed. All in favor of the motion will say aye. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 73 01/02/2024 (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is carried. There being no further nominations, all in favor of the election of Mr. Michael Decker as Chief Clerk of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will say aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it. However, the Clerk will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 17. The nays are 0. Mr. Decker, having received a unanimous vote of the members of City Council, I now declare Mr. Michael Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 76 01/02/2024 Decker duly-elected Chief Clerk of this City Council. (Applause.)
Councilmember Gauthier and Councilmember O'Neill will escort Mr. Decker to the rostrum. The oath of office will be administered by the Honorable Timika Lane, Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Let's give Mr. Decker another round of applause, y'all. Mike keeps the oil moving in City Council. (Applause.) JUDGE LANE: All right. Place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE LANE: Congratulations. (Applause.)
At this time, I want to ask for the Leadership team to please stand when Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 77 01/02/2024 your name is called. I will name the officers of City Council. For the major -- please be advised that by a vote of the democratic members of City Council, the Honorable Katherine Gilmore Richardson was elected Majority Leader, the Honorable Isaiah Thomas was elected Majority Whip, and the Honorable Cindy Bass was elected Majority Deputy Whip of the City Council of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Also, be advised that by a vote of the members of the Council from the Working Families party, the Honorable Kendra Brooks was elected Minority Leader and the Honorable Nicholas O'Rourke was elected Minority Whip of the City Council of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
Let's please give them a real big round of applause. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 78 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
The next order of business is the introduction of the resolution concerning the rules of government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. And the Chair recognizes Councilmember Gauthier.
Thank you, Mr. President. I offer the following resolution.
And the Chief Clerk will read the title of the resolution.
A resolution to provide rules for the government of the Council of the City of Philadelphia.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that the rules, as set forth in this resolution, be adopted as the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 79 01/02/2024 temporary rules of the Council until the permanent rules are adopted.
The Chair thanks the Councilmember. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Thomas.
All in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. (Aye.)
The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The rules contained in this resolution have been adopted temporarily. The resolution will be placed on the Final Passage Calendar for consideration at our next session of Council. The organization of the Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 80 01/02/2024 Council of the City of Philadelphia and investiture of the City Councilmembers are complete, in accordance with the provisions of the Home Rule Charter. The Council is honored by the presence -- and most of y'all may or may not know, I'm Baptist Catholic by way of St. Monica's Parish in South Philadelphia -- so I am honored to ask for Father Joseph Kelley of St. Monica Roman Catholic Church to please come up and offer us and lead us in prayer.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Almighty God, we ask your blessing upon our good friend, my good friend, Council President Kenyatta Johnson. We call your blessing down upon his wonderful wife Dawn and his children. As he takes on this great ministry for the City of Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 81 01/02/2024 Philadelphia, a city that which bears the name of love, a city that we love, we ask that you continue to endow him with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge and fear of the Lord. We ask that he serve our entire city as well as he served us, his constituents, in the 2nd Councilmanic District. As a man of great faith, we know that he will embrace and love all the people of our great city, people of diverse religions, people who profess no religion, people of all races, creeds and backgrounds. For we are all united in one common goal. As Christians, we believe as the Bible says that if we were to describe God in any way, shape or form, we would say simply that God is love. As Council President Kenyatta Johnson leads us to work together through our differences and come together in the love that we know we Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 82 01/02/2024 have for each other, we will come to know love more deeply and in that, come to know God. We ask this in Jesus's name. Amen. (Amen.) (Applause.)
Thank you, Father Kelley. At this time, I invite the Monumental Baptist Church Choir to perform "For Every Mountain." The choir is directed by Minister Gary Taylor. Can we give them a round of applause please. (Applause.) (Monumental Baptist Church Choir performs.) (Applause.)
We thank Monumental Baptist Church Choir for that beautiful and inspiring performance. Now, at this time I would like to introduce another one of my Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 83 01/02/2024 spiritual big brothers who calls and checks on me from time to time without a lot of fanfare, just an all-around great gentleman. So I'm going to call up Mr. Alyn E. Waller, Senior Pastor of Enon Baptist Church before we proceed with the induction of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. Pastor Waller, come on up, Big Bro.
Let's bow our heads. Eternal God our Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God of Harriet, God of Simone, the God of Cherelle, God of Martin, Malcolm and Medgar, God, we thank you for this day. We thank you for allowing us to gather as we celebrate history. We thank you for allowing us to gather to exercise our franchise in democracy. We thank you for the gift of your daughter to give leadership to this great city. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 84 01/02/2024 Lord, I begin praying first for Langston. I pray, oh God, that Langston not lose a mother while we gain a Mayor. I pray that you cover him, that you make his way easy and that you develop him, oh God. Give him friends that will understand the uniqueness of his position and help him more to grow into the man you designed him to be. And then, God, I pray for our new Mayor. I pray, God, that you would surround her with people that love her, people that respect her, people that will evidence those truths by telling her the truth, by bringing the best of themselves to her service. That I pray, oh God, for those who dawned this stage, that they will engage in political discourse that will lead to the edification of our community, that we would be the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. And then, God, I thank you Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 85 01/02/2024 for this woman of God, this woman that you've raised for such a time as this. I thank you for her uniqueness. I thank you for her ability to lead. I thank you for her grit and her grace. I pray, oh God, that you ground her with wisdom. Help her to balance all the demands that will be placed on her. Help her, Lord, to shine but also help, Lord, to lead. Then, God, I thank you. I thank you for what you've already done for us. And I thank you for what's yet to come. I thank you for a crime rate that's going to go down. I thank you for the child that's going to be educated. I thank you, God, for the things that will happen in this Administration. And then, God, I pray that you give her holy boldness to lead everybody but not be ashamed of addressing the particular needs of her Black people who are in this Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 86 01/02/2024 City, oh God, where we uniquely find ourselves in a country that we started as slaves but we just keep coming. And for that, God, we are grateful. And then, God, we thank you for what we will experience. We thank you that better days are ahead for Philadelphia because Cherelle Parker is about to sit in the seat. And we thank you that you're going to use her mightily. And then, God, I thank you for the privilege of seeing it and I thank you for the privilege of exercising, the privilege of prayer and asking your protection over her. And, God, as I get ready to take my seat, I pray this prayer in the name significant to me. I pray this prayer in the name of one who was dead but is alive forever more. I pray this prayer in the name of a Palestinian Jew named Jesus. I pray this prayer and I Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 87 01/02/2024 thank you, God, for the victory through Christ our Lord. Let every heart say Amen. (Amen.)
Thank you, Reverend Waller. Will everyone please be seated as you already are. At this time, I invite the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir to perform "God is Able." The choir is directed by the fabulous and outstanding Dr. Cassandra Jones. (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Mass Choir performs.) (Applause.)
I want to thank Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir for that outstanding performance. Let's give Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 88 01/02/2024 them another round of applause. (Applause.)
And now I have the great opportunity to invite Emmy-award winning actress and activist Ms. Cheryl Lee Ralph to offer a poem in the celebration of the inauguration of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. Let's give her a real big round of applause, y'all. (Applause.)
In this, the great city of Philadelphia. In years passed where the enslaved ran, walked, groveled came here in search of freedom. Today in memory of those ancestors, let us not forget that we are witnessing history. The occasion, the inauguration of the first female Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. A poem written by none other than me. And the sister, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection there beats a heart where Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 89 01/02/2024 history weaves. Birthing an unlikely trailblazer among golden leaves. Her path, a tale of strength untold. The first female, a Mayor so bold. Through cobblestone streets and echoing City Halls, she shattered ceilings scaled some mighty walls. Her voice, a deep melody resilience in rhyme. A beacon for change, transcending time. With grace she danced in the steel face of doubt. In every step, a legacy laid out. A symphony of progress, notes pure and clear. A melody that silenced the whispers of fear. In heritage rich where painful shadows persist. She is painting futures with a color named Resist. A canvas to be transformed by her guiding hand. A portrait of hope, a woman determined to take a stand. North, south, northeast and west, she spoke of unity. A city tapestry anew, stitching dreams for every color, every shade and every Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 90 01/02/2024 hue. Her mayoral throne, a symbol profound, breaking barriers as the walls, oh, they will come down. The City of Philadelphia will echo her historic name, a testament of courage forever a flame. In the animals of time, her story will be etched. Philadelphia's first female Mayor, a Black queen firmly stretched, the Honorable Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. (Applause.)
Can we give Sheryl Lee Ralph another big round of applause for that great poem. (Applause.)
We will now proceed with the induction of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. The Chair appoints Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Landau, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson and Councilmember Driscoll to escort the Honorable Cherelle L. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 91 01/02/2024 Parker, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, to the rostrum. The Mayor will be joined at the podium by Philadelphia -- come on up, Ms. Marcia. Ms. Marcia Fudge, come on up, please. So also joining Cherelle at the rostrum are Bill Mullins, Darryl Parker, Tonyelle Cook-Artis, Gladys James, Wylene Tryste, Brenda Rivera, Nafeeka Wakeel and Yasmin Everett. SECRETARY FUDGE: Good afternoon. I know it's a whole lot of people in here. Good afternoon. (Good afternoon.) SECRETARY FUDGE: God is good. We need to be excited today about what's going on right now. My name is Marcia Fudge. I am a former Mayor. And it is my singular and high honor to have been asked to administer the oath of office to my friend and to whom I know who will be the greatest Mayor the City of Philadelphia has ever seen. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 92 01/02/2024 And to her family having been a Mayor, it is not easy. People say it's lonely at the bottom. It's lonely at the top. So stay with her, have her back. (Oath of office administered.) SECRETARY FUDGE: Congratulations, Mayor. (Standing ovation.)
We were also joined by Commonwealth Court Judge who hails from South Philadelphia, Ms. Lydia Kirkland. The Chief Clerk will read the certificate of election of the Honorable Cherelle L. Parker as Mayor of the City of Philadelphia.
Cherelle L. Parker, at an election held November 7, 2023 you were duly-elected Mayor of the City of Philadelphia for a four-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024. (Applause.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 93 01/02/2024
Members of City Council, reverend clergy, elected officials, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I have the distinct honor to present to you, Her Honor, the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, the Honorable Cherelle L. Parker. (Applause.)
To be standing here with my family and friends and my village, including when South -Council President Kenyatta gave her props for being from South Philly. But, Mr. President, in 2005 she was in Harrisburg swearing Cherelle Parker in. And I'm referring to none other than my good friend, Senior Municipal Court Judge here in our great City of Philadelphia, Lydia Kirkland. Give her a huge round of applause. (Applause.)
To have my oath of office administered today by Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 94 01/02/2024 none other than the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, you need to know that she was so humble when she just came up here. But I was two years young in this dynamic sisterhood called Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. when she became our 21st National President. And for my sorors who are in the audience and also my Divine Nine brothers and sisters, you know how sacred this moment is for me right now to have her here with me. You heard her mention that she was a former Mayor. Yeah, but as usual, what she didn't tell you is that she was the first female and the first African American Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio. She's the former Congresswoman from the 11th District, and she is currently the 18th Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, but she's here today in our own right. Did I say it right? Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 95 01/02/2024 SECRETARY FUDGE: (Nodded affirmatively).
This is surreal. I could never have imagined this. Thank you, Jesus. Soror Sheryl Lee Ralph, where are you? Thank you. You cut your vacation short to be here. You could have been in Hollywood right now, but you chose to be here. And I want you to know that I'm grateful. Let me start by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for whom all things are possible. And for those of you who know me and you know my life, you know that's not a line for me. I wouldn't be standing here today were it not for the grace and mercy of God. It is with that in mind that I say Happy New Year to you, the great City of Philadelphia. To our Council President Johnson, newly-elected Council President Johnson, it sounds good when we say it. Say Council Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 96 01/02/2024 President Johnson. (Council President Johnson.)
This is going to work out well, Mr. President. We know how to do this thing called call and response, so we're going to be able to get a whole lot done together as partners. Give our Council President a huge round of applause. (Applause.)
To him and to all our members of City Council, the leadership and all of the members who were elected, to our faith leaders who are present, all of our role officers, thank you so very much for being here and congratulations to each of you. I also want to say to our former Mayors who are here, some here, some could not be here. Former Mayor Green, Mayor Goode is here. Trailblazing, trendsetting, historymaking, first Black Mayor of the City of Philadelphia W. Wilson Goode is Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 97 01/02/2024 here. I want to acknowledge Mayor Rendell. And to Mayor John F. Street, who made the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative a thing people will never forget. Mayor Nutter could not be here, but he visited me yesterday. And to my good friend, the 99th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. A gentleman who made improving parks, rec centers and libraries his number one priority, but he also understood that if we would give 3- and 4-year-olds throughout the City of Philadelphia access to the opportunity to get an early childhood education that by the time they got into kindergarten when they were 5 years old, they would be prepared to compete with children who had come from more privileged families. So when people ask you about his legacy, I want you to tell them Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 98 01/02/2024 about Mayor Jim Kenney's effort to educate our children. And not just through Rebuild, but through Philadelphia PHLpreK. Give him a round of applause please. (Applause.)
Give it up for Mr. Mayor. I see Senator, our U.S. Senator Casey is here. Our Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis is here and Congress members Evans, Boyle and Scanlon are here along with Speaker McClinton and members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly are here, along with the Judiciary -- and I'm not sure if it's true, but someone told me that we have Mayor Eric Adams from New York City here. Is Mayor Eric Adams here somewhere? Wherever you are, hello, Mr. Mayor. I need to stop right here for a second and he's not expecting this. But I have to give credit where credit is due. The gentleman who served as a Councilmember for the 5th Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 99 01/02/2024 District along with our Council President who I often referred to as my big brother, Council President Darrell Clarke, I want you to know that our working together was not something that a whole lot of people ever expected us to do. They wanted us to stay caught up in the past because Council President Johnson, he's got this thing planted in my brain right now about a new day. You've been talking about a new day. And when he and I started working together, people thought we were going to get up in the antiquated, outdated, territorial tribal warfare that was donned against Bill Gray and Black people just fighting each other for no darn reason at all. And we got a chance to work together when you were President and I was a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. We did some amazing work for the City of Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 100 01/02/2024 Philadelphia and we laid a strong foundation that we would later build on. And I want to give credit where credit is due and say, Big Bro, I wouldn't be here standing today on this strong legacy were it not for you. Give Darrell Clarke a huge round of applause. Thank you. (Applause.)
Thank you. It's well-deserved. Thank you. I want to thank each of our elected officials for being here. The reason why it was important for me to go through that list is because for those of you who will take a stroll back mentally and remember the Primary Election and General Election, I kept talking about a thing that a lot of people were laughing at me about. It was called intergovernmental cooperation and planning. And I was saying to people that if it was God's will and they Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 101 01/02/2024 gave me access to the opportunity to become Mayor of this City of Philadelphia, that I alone wouldn't be able to solve the complex issues that were facing us, but instead we would have to have an intergovernmental cooperation and planning arrangement at every branch of government. Now, I hope Philadelphia -because I'm going to talk about this in a second, that you understand what we just did. You just saw the Secretary for the United States Housing and Urban Development here in her own right, but she's here. You just saw and heard me mention our Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, our United States Senator Bob Casey, our Congressional Delegation is here. Moneybags Appropriations Chairmen in both House in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Jordan Harris on the House side, and my good friend and my brother and my therapist State Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 102 01/02/2024 Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chairman on the Senate side. And then you got the lady who keeps all of the order and keeps the structure going, our Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton. If we missed this opportunity to deliver in a meaningful way for the City of Philadelphia not just for the next four years but the work that we do now, it should be a foundation for the future. Our children should be saying in every neighborhood that they go to, wow, we saw on a video where they don't even do videos, they streamed it, whatever they do for this day in the future, and you know some of the things that they talked about they got done. Council President Johnson, to every leader whose name I just mentioned, if we don't get -- I'm not talking about incremental change. I'm talking about bold transformative steps that when people walk outside Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 103 01/02/2024 of their houses, they can touch, see and feel the results of our labor. (Applause.)
If they don't see it, it's on us. I want to congratulate each and every member who was sworn in today. Your victory in a new term that begins today. I want to stop now and thank Philadelphians for giving me a chance to earn their support and for believing in me and my vision for the future of our city. When I started on this campaign, I wasn't going to say it. But I'm going to tell. Don't get mad. Sincere or Aren are hollering at me somewhere. When I started out on this campaign, I want you to know that you crisscross the City and you talk to different constituencies, and sometimes you will talk to people and primarily the group will be based on race, a Black group or a White group or a Latino group or it will be a Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 104 01/02/2024 low-to-moderate income, it will be a wealthy community or a working-class community. And we had some experts who came to try to offer our little scrappy campaign some advice because we weren't the biggest candidate in the field. And they said, well, what you should do is you should tell her that if she wants to win when she goes to the Northeast, she should talk like this (lowers voice), and her message should be about that. And so, what about when she comes back home to the home base in North Philadelphia and she's Uptown sitting in the hairdresser or the barbershop in West Philadelphia or in South Philadelphia, what am I supposed to do? I couldn't do anything, Philadelphia, but affirm not through words. But I had to affirm through my actions that I was going to stay true to who I am, my story, my life. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 105 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
That I wasn't going to try to put on an image that Cherelle Parker is a bastion of perfection and that if you would just vote for me, everything in our city would change. Because I'm standing on the shoulders of a people who prayed for me in the midst of it all, I could only be here because you, the people of our great City of Philadelphia from all walks of life who picked up what I put down when I said I won't allow race, class, socioeconomic status, zip code, religion, sexual orientation or identity, that I would not allow any of that to change my message to you and/or who I am. So on today while I do stand here as the 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, sixth largest city, birthplace of democracy, I want you to know that I only get the opportunity to meet this moment Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 106 01/02/2024 because of each and every one of you. And for that, I am extremely grateful. Philadelphia, thank you for allowing me to be me. It's something that I'll never forget. (Applause.)
When I start talking about my background, y'all remember probably one of the first intros people were asking me, you know, we don't really see people doing that a whole lot, like why -you've been elected for X number of years. I've never heard you -- I never thought you had a life that was oh so difficult, Cherelle. I mean, you've never said anything out loud like that before. Like, why haven't you shared it. Well, you know, where I come from, you do what you do. But I don't want any unnecessary sorrow or sympathy for me. I don't want anybody lowering their expectations, because you know that life for me Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 107 01/02/2024 ain't been no crystal stair so I just didn't talk about it a whole lot. But because I've shared it, I hope that everyone in this City will see something of themselves in me and that you will have confidence and that you will absorb a certain amount of grace that I know I get from you that confidence and grace that will help me lead our city. And I hope that will you help you help move our city forward. I want to say this to my young prince, another thing people didn't want me to say out loud, my young prince, my son, my only child. Guess what, I told our First Lady that as soon as he held the Bible, he said, Mom -- he's so over this. He said, can I leave now. He's probably with Council President Johnson's children right now. But wherever you are, Langston, if you're under the sound of my voice and you can hear me, I Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 108 01/02/2024 want you to know that Mommy and Daddy love you more than anything else in this world. People were so shocked when they learned that my former husband and I worked extremely hard together co-parenting our son. And they expected me to just whisper about it or walk with my head held down and not my shoulders back. But I just said after I talked to people, you don't know how many people, other folks like me it is out there because people were coming up to me, Cherelle, I know it's possible right now, I think I'm going to pick up the phone and call y'all. I mean, y'all got along so well, I told him don't be getting no fancy-pancy ideas. But we do work well in co-parenting our son. Langston, we love you. I don't care what Mommy does in her professional life. Our most important role, Ben Mullins and I, is as your mother and father. And we Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 109 01/02/2024 won't allow anything to get in the way of that. No career, no job, no service, nothing will take away from our bond and nothing will ever take me away from you nor your father. We love you. (Applause.)
I want to start on my message today by saying to each of you that by every statistic imaginable, I am not supposed to be standing here today. Why? Because it is true for those of you who read it, I, Cherelle Parker, was a child who most people thought would never succeed and they really did almost have me thinking the same thing. So right now lots of people have been asking me how do you feel. And I've been telling them there are no words that I can explain the mix of emotions that I am feeling during this historic moment. I can only tell you that I have a deep-rooted Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 110 01/02/2024 sense of gratitude permeating in my heart and in my spirit since the people of our great City have given me access to this opportunity to serve them in a manner and a role that many thought would be impossible, you know, out of reach for someone like me. Cherelle, what do you mean? I mean, I want to say it loud that I was born to a single teenage mother without my biological father present in my life. My grandparents raised me. Mommy, a domestic worker, a domestic worker from Manning, South Carolina. Daddy, a disabled Navy veteran from Accomack County, Virginia who received public assistance. You heard me on the trail talk about that colored money in books. Some people whispered to me, well, what does she mean when she says the public money -- it means that my grandmother and my Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 111 01/02/2024 grandfather were on public assistance, that they had to receive food stamps and cash assistance to take care of me. I want you to know that were it not for their resilience, their stick-to-itiveness I wouldn't be here. I want to say to my family, to my community that brought me up, who believed in me, they believed in the power of education and they believed that it could change a life. They saw some things in me, and this is important when we look at the state of affairs in our city right now and what our young people are facing on a daily basis because some people act like they are all growing up in Cosby-like families and that is not the reality. I was the first college graduate in my family graduating from Lincoln University. (Applause.)
I was the first graduate of an Ivy League Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 112 01/02/2024 institution acquiring a Master's Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. (Applause.)
Then I went on to a career as a Certified Secondary English teacher. And for all the English teachers or teachers in general who are in the audience, don't forget to let people know how hard you work. Let them know you are NTE-passed and Praxis-passed teachers, and you are doing extremely hard work in our classrooms. I say all of this to let you know that two quotes, two quotes are the foundation of the work that you've seen me do throughout my career. And if you when you walked in you looked on your seat, if you got a book that was an action plan on the back of your seat, raise your hand so I can see if they gave out the action plans. (Hands raised.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 113 01/02/2024
Okay. I want you all to think about sister, Dr. Maya Angelou and a quote that she was often stating as she traveled across the country. " The second quote comes from one of my favorite civil rights activist in office and it's none other than the brilliant James Baldwin. And I truly think, and I want you to think about this through the lens of Philadelphians, and what they think about those of us who are here on this stage who are elected and who work in government and they see us putting our hands on Bibles and getting sworn in. But they go back into their neighborhoods and they're thinking about these promises that we made and they say, what about me, I don't see it. " Now, I want you to let those two sink in and to hear from my mouth to your ears, that I cannot do this alone. I did not get to this stage by myself. I believe that right now and at this very moment, and I mean this with all my heart and spirit, there's a block party going on in heaven right now. And my ancestors are saying right now, even my mother and my father -- took a lot of hours of therapy to say my biological father -- they are saying, my single teenage mother and him, thank you God for being a vehicle that allowed us to bring Cherelle in the world. He even used them. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 115 01/02/2024 My grandmother and my grandfather are listening. And Daddy is saying, Mary Mason, don't you talk so long. Some people, they don't even know, the young people don't even know who Mary Mason is. But Daddy, that was my grandfather's nickname for me. And my Great-aunt Vi and my Great-grandmother Big Merk, 31st and Lehigh, they are all saying, she may not have thought that it was fair, but all of our hard work, the fruits of our labor, look at what it's yielding right now. But this is what she better not ever do because we'll come down from the heavens and touch her. If she ever thinks that any title she acquires, any academic credential she assumes, any professional development that she gets, any ounce of power that she gets, if she begins to get caught up in reading the headlines and getting used to people calling her Madam Mayor and feeling a tad bit Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 116 01/02/2024 haughty, we will touch her and remind her that the gifts that have been placed in you are not simply for you and your own personal advancement, but you are to use them to motivate, inspire and encourage others and make a difference in the lives of the people of our great City. It is with this in mind that I want to make sure that I talk about what I promised to the people of the City of Philadelphia. I want to acknowledge that promise, but I also want to acknowledge the shoulders who I stand on, other women in this City who blazed the path before me, who showed me the way. I couldn't make a promise like that which I am about to refer to had it not been for a lady named Augusta Alexander Clark, Gussie Clark. If I hadn't saw brawler by the name of Joan Krajewski, fighting for quality of life. And what about Roxanne Jones and the C. Delores Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 117 01/02/2024 Tucker, and the first woman President of the City Council of Philadelphia Anna C. Verna. I am not here but for their years of efforts, their years of fight, their years of service. And I want to give credit where credit is due because I stand on their shoulders. We lost Dr. Constance E. Clayton, who was the Superintendent of the schools when I was in the School District of Philadelphia. And she taught us that we, Philadelphia's children, were capable of anything if we received a high-quality, first-class education. My mentor, the one and only, the Boss Lady, Vincent Hughes would call her the Boss with the Hot Sauce. I'm referring to none other than Councilwoman Marian Tasco. )
Thank you. Who raised me politically and governmentally and showed me the way Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 118 01/02/2024 to reach this historic moment. I am here but for my beloved Boss Lady. I stand on the shoulders of those women. And I've got to say about this gentleman, let me stop here and say this about this gentleman. You hear me talk about intergovernmental cooperation and working in a bipartisan manner. I'm not sure if Republican State Senator Ward is here or Leader Pittman or Leader Cutler or any of my Republican friends from Harrisburg are here. But I want you to know that I would not have known the value and why it was so essential for a Democrat from Philadelphia to have a relationship with a Republican who may have come from rural Pennsylvania had it not been for a guy who when he got elected, I was 8 years old, he was tall and thin and had a whole lot of hair. He is now our Congressman Dwight Evans. Give him a huge round Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 119 01/02/2024 of applause. (Applause.)
Dwight was the one who made me run for the Statehouse. I wasn't interested. I said, who wants to go to Harrisburg. And Marian Tasco supported him and he told me to go to Harrisburg, if you remember, and learn how to be a legislator. Thank you so very much, Dwight. It is some of the greatest value and professional development that I have ever added to my career. And to you, I want to say thank you. You all are familiar with Sonia Sanchez, the great poet. And she had a poem called Love Colored with an Iron Lace, and that is who these women are and Dwight Evans is to me. It is because of them and because of their faith in me and your faith in me that I am standing here today. However, my Aunt Brenda is here. I don't know where she is. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 120 01/02/2024 She said to me, so you are about to do something special and become the first woman, the 100th Mayor, and the first little Black girl from the 1900 block of Pittville Street to become Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. And she says, well, what are you going to do when even before you get started? There are naysayers who doubt the ability to turn the challenges that this City is facing around. What are you going to do when you are trying to move forward and proffer solutions, but all some folks seem to want to do is wallow in all that is wrong and discuss all of our woes as if where we are now is where we will have to be, what are you going to do when that happens? I made sure that I said to Aunt Brenda, and I want you all to hold on with me here, when you hear me begin talking about implementing the action plan that you have a tangible copy of, the reason why you Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 121 01/02/2024 have a copy of it is because it's a commitment to you, and that means I'm going to get it done because we gave our word. And when we are working to implement the goals that are included in that plan and you hear some people doubting us before we even get started, I want you to say to them, Don't throw shade on my Philly shine. And the reason why this is important is because sometimes we forget who we are. With all of our greatness, we forget what a mighty city that we really are. And so, I want to say that that promise that I made to people here in our City of Philadelphia, that when I swore this oath as Philadelphia's 100th Mayor, first woman to hold the office in 341 years, that I will do so with humility, with respect for the 99 who came before me and with the solemn process that if we work together, Council President Johnson, members of Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 122 01/02/2024 this body along with each and every one of you, we would make Philadelphia the safest, cleanest, greenest, big city in the nation with economic opportunity for all. I delivered that vision to you, members of this audience, residents in our great City of Philadelphia. You responded in the affirmative. And for that, I want you to know I'm grateful. I know it's a tall order, but we don't want people doing what I call becoming expert AOPs. You know them because you have them in your own lives. These are expert articulators of problems. They can go around and around and around in a circle telling you about a problem, but they are very, very, very short on delivering solutions. They will -- it's a thing. They will begin to remind us that, yes, it's true, a quarter of our citizens are living in poverty, Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 123 01/02/2024 that despite the progress in lowering the number of homicides, we still have far too many senseless shootings, too much gun violence and too many illegal guns on the streets of Philadelphia. We know that our neighborhoods, they too have been struggling under lots of blight, illegal trash-dumping and nuisances that in essence degrade the quality of life and enjoyment of our blocks and of our communities at large.
But I'm here to mention to each of you today is that we are going to be laser-focused on developing and implementing solutions to address our challenges and we're going to solve them for the people of our city. Because guess what you deserve to see, and this is going to sound like a novel idea. You deserve to see your tax dollars at work in your neighborhoods. And the way that you can all see, touch and feel, you Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 124 01/02/2024 deserve policies that come from the ground up with the community involved in every step of the way. Gone are the days where we spend our time and energy focused on people, places and things that encourage us to wallow in our woes. Hear me, we will not feed into that. As you heard me say we are proud Philadelphians, and I hope you have watched what we have been putting down recently. If you pick up that action plan, you will also know that in recent weeks we have assembled a team of Cabinet members for my Administration. And if you put them together, this group of men and women, they are bright, they are sharp, they are focused and they all share one common denominator. Guess what they have in common. They all have a can-do spirit. They have a how spirit. They have a we must rid our city of this culture of no in Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 125 01/02/2024 everything that we are trying to achieve. I want to make sure people know this. Nobody should ever come to me and tell me, Cherelle, I don't understand why we are changing the way we sharpen the pencils. We've been sharpening the pencils this way for 35 years. And I sharpen 10 pencils a day using the rotary pencil sharpener and this is the only way we know how to sharpen pencils here in the City of Philadelphia. I want you to know that you will have lost my attention. )
We must have a mindset of how are we going to do what I call GTY, how are we going to get to yes. The first way to get to yes is by doing this: You assemble a team of public servants with national reputations as experts in their field, from policing and public safety and organizational management Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 126 01/02/2024 and finance and economics and so many other areas. And I'm proud that we've appointed strong leaders with strong ties and experience in the City of Philadelphia. Someone said it's interesting that a lot of these people have lived here and worked here already. I said, well, we looked nationally. We just happened to come up with the best, most-qualified and connected candidates who don't need a GPS to make it to 52nd and Market Street. They know how to get there. There is so much work to be done and we cannot wait to get started. Public safety. In our first 100 days included in that plan, my Administration will announce specific plans to increase the number of Philadelphia police officers on our streets, listen, with the focus on community policing citywide. Stop, Cherelle, why is this important? In Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 127 01/02/2024 every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia, remember Maya's quote. We can't get angry because people who live and work and own a business in our city have told us on many occasions that they don't feel safe in their neighborhood and we can't be angry at them because they have publicly expressed to us how they feel. But this is what we can do. We can tell them that we have a right to do our best to work on rebuilding trust between our police department and communities who have a reason not to trust, but to figure out by having officers engaged in community policing, walking the beat, riding the bikes. Officers there as guardians and not warriors, getting to know the people that they are sworn to protect and serve. Listen, they're there because they're making sure things are okay on your commercial corridor or at Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 128 01/02/2024 your rec center. They are there to build proactive relationships with you. And I didn't change my message no matter where I went in the City. And you know what, we can have both. We can have community policing and strengthen those police and community relationships. And we can have accountability at the same time where we have zero tolerance for any misuse and/or abuse of authority under the Parker Administration for any law enforcement official who does not follow the rules. Cherelle, how are you going to do it? We heard you talk about community policing. I'm also going to declare a public safety emergency. Yes, I am. (Applause.)
We are going to expeditiously get every available resource into neighborhoods, listen, struggle from scourges of crime, gun violence, drugs and addiction. I Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 129 01/02/2024 want you to know this: On a personal note, nothing was more frustrating for me on this campaign trail when I was working to earn your support than someone who said to me, Cherelle, we think you lack compassion when you talk about cleaning up the open air drug markets that had existed in our city. When you have talked about we have to do that now, you don't sound very compassionate. I want to say to each of you that our Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, he's going to deliver plans for those crises and other crimes like car theft, shoplifting, yes, that retail theft and the illegal use of ATVs that diminish our quality of life. We're going to use a holistic approach to end in our city the crime, particularly the quality-of-life crimes that we have seen increase. But we are going to have a holistic approach to addressing public health and safety Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 130 01/02/2024 in our city. We're going to stay focused on what you heard me refer to as the PIE, prevention, intervention and enforcement. But I want you to know I'm not going to be afraid to make those tough decisions. And if somebody tells you that we think she lacks compassion because she wants to be too aggressive in cleaning the open air dug market, you tell them to think about whether or not they would want their mother, father, sister, brother or loved one on the streets openly using intravenous drugs in front of kids who have to walk by and go to school, business owners who are trying to survive and people in the community who are saying, please just don't forget about us. We're going to have a data-driven and research-based approach that is put together by the best law enforcement and public health professionals that we can Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 131 01/02/2024 find. But I want you to know everybody is not going to be happy when we make some of these decisions. We're going to make our city safe for the people who live here, who work here and who come into our city from the suburbs and from across the country and from across the world. Everybody's talking about 2026 and are you ready. If we don't get our own house in order before a company comes in, if we don't address public safety, we won't be ready to receive anybody in 2026. I want the world to know that I am fully committed to ending this sense of lawlessness and bringing order back to our city and a sense of lawfulness. End lawlessness. Bring order back and a sense of lawfulness right here in our city. We know that we can do it when we partner with the community, the partnerships come from the ground up, but there has to be, there has to Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 132 01/02/2024 be a sense that residents who live in the City of Philadelphia no matter their zip code deserve to have a high quality of life in their neighborhoods. (Applause.)
I believe, yes, I do believe that everybody deserves that. Clean and green. If you want to irk my nerves, let me hear you call our city Filthadelphia. We will launch a new approach to addressing quality-of-life issues like illegal short-dumping, cleaning up litter and graffiti, fixing potholes and removing abandoned cars. And y'all know we're not playing because guess what, with those abandoned cars and tractor trailers, we're going to be calling our friends at the Philadelphia Parking Authority. So that intergovernmental collaboration that we talk about, when you call us and you get mad because a car has been Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 133 01/02/2024 parked on your block and weeds are growing through the car, it's been there, there's no tags, and you get frustrated that we, the Councilmembers, those who are elected to public office can't get it moved fast enough, we are going to have partnerships. And, Mayor John Street, you should be proud because if there was anything that I know people remembered from your tenure in your office, they will say we will never forget Mayor Street removing all of those abandoned cars from the City of Philadelphia neighborhoods. So we're going to have our clean and green initiatives. And when we do that, abandon car removal will be a part of it. But we are also going to expand a successful neighborhoodbased commercial corridor cleaning program called PHL Taking Care of Business. Yeah, I'm really, really Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 134 01/02/2024 excited and proud about that. We're going to organize government in the community and businesses to collaboratively clean up our neighborhoods, beautify our streets and work towards a more sustainable future all with an eye towards environmental justice for underserved and underresourced communities. Now, on housing, we are going to create a one-front-door opportunity for residents to access all City-run home improvement programs in one place at one time through one application. We will develop a vision of what I refer to as affordable luxury, that is, affordable homes with high-end fixtures for homeowners and renters. We're going to preserve and build more affordable housing. And I talked about a goal of building 30,000 more units of housing. And we're going to provide more support for small businesses. Now, we're Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 135 01/02/2024 going to also do this and you -- no, that's something to be excited about. (Applause.)
Because what I'm about to say next, some people are going to say, is this really going to get done. We've already started this. We're going to order a top-to-bottom review of the City's Land Bank to better understand the challenges of developing vacant and City-owned property. And we're going to work to improve that process. If you're like me, I think it's unconscionable that we can have City-owned land and talk about having an affordable housing complex. We have to do what I've learned how to do, bring everybody to the table at one time. That means we have to call our state partners and say, please bring PHFA to the table. Call our federal partners and say, please bring HUD to the table. We need our Office of Planning and Development at Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 136 01/02/2024 the table and every office associated with the City. And we have to be intentional about ensuring that the same ole actors who have gotten an opportunity to develop these very own properties and build wealth by developing these properties in the Land Bank, that long-term owner-occupants, particularly Black and Brown people who live in neighborhoods throughout our city, they too deserve access to the opportunity to become developers and build wealth in their City. (Applause.)
It's not an either-or. If we work together, it's an and. We'll need the Building Trades. We will again need all of our federal, state and local partners and we're going to need the best and the brightest housing counseling agencies. And quite frankly, members of the development community who are interested and make a solemn Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 137 01/02/2024 commitment that they do want to be a part of growing the future of Philadelphia. Next, we want to talk about economic opportunity. People have often asked me how and why do you think you'll stand in a day. I'm standing because my education and my village and my training helped to put me on a path to self-sufficiency. We want all people on a path to selfsufficiency here in the City of Philadelphia, but they can't do that without access to an economic opportunity, a career, learning new skills so that they can earn a living wage, have health care, earn retirement security and take care of their families. And I want each and every one of you who are here today to know that we can't do that without the business community. I've been so frustrated over the past few years at times when I've seen this us versus them attitude as Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 138 01/02/2024 it relates to businesses as if Philadelphia doesn't need businesses open here in our city. When you take a look at our revenue that we generate to pay bills here in the City of Philadelphia and you realize what a significant contribution wage, business privilege and net profits tax bring here in the City of Philadelphia, you know we need to do what I'm about to state for the record. We're going to -- within our first 100 days, we're going to announce our PHL Open for Business Initiative that is going to do, and I hope you get this, exactly what the Council President noted in his remarks. We're going to reduce the red tape that it takes and how it makes it harder to do business here in our city, by requiring every department to submit to my office a list of the unnecessary permits and regulations that we can eliminate so Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 139 01/02/2024 that we can make it easier for you to do business here in the City of Philadelphia. (Applause.)
So while I've seen a lot of people over the years stand up and give great speeches, I've always been a tangible-based outcome person. On day 1, we want the business community to know that Philadelphia is officially open for business. We are open for business here in the City of Philadelphia. This is also something that we're going to do. We're going to eliminate the college degree requirements for many City of Philadelphia jobs so that people with real-lived life experiences, that they can lend their expertise toward making our city better and open the door for those good-paying job opportunities, listen, right here in the City of Philadelphia government. We can do that now. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 140 01/02/2024 We've done that. We've started to do that already here in the City of Philadelphia for some employment opportunities, but we must do that across the board. We can follow in the footsteps of Maryland along with our great Commonwealth and our Governor Josh Shapiro. But we want to make sure that we remove any barriers to access to opportunities that don't allow our people to be put on a path to self-sufficiency. We are really excited about this agenda. We're excited about under economic opportunity having something that we never had in the City of Philadelphia before. People seem to have us focused on measuring these numbers in diversity, equity and inclusion. And a lady name Della Clarke and a guy named Harold Epps are beating me over the head all of the time saying, if you don't make it somebody's job to monitor the success of minority-owned businesses, we will Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 141 01/02/2024 never be able to advance and make the case for the capital that we need, because it's not another program. It's access to capital to move these businesses along. So we're going to be focused on minority business success. We will have a direct appointment to the Office of the Mayor, and we will convene our business roundtable. And we're going to bring together local, state and federal officials along with our business leaders who have a stake in the economic success of our city so that we can tap into the intellectual resources of Philadelphia and truly try to create economic opportunities for everyone. As it relates to education, I sat on a campaign trail, and I mean this wholeheartedly, we're going to develop a comprehensive strategy to provide meaningful out-of-school programs and job opportunities for students outside of regular school Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 142 01/02/2024 hours. We're going to prepare strategy for school building modernization and work closely with the School District on its own plan for school facilities. Listen, you heard me say I'm a teacher. Our children have the same right to come to school and receive a 21st century education in a clean, modern school building with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment as does any other child anywhere in this Commonwealth. And I don't care if they go to a traditional public or charter or parochial school. Well, we know what our obligation is to traditional public schools. It won't be an us versus them. We're going to be focused on building quality seats and we're going to be focused on listening to the people who are doing the work on a daily basis who are in our classrooms. Our teachers, our Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 143 01/02/2024 administrators, the people on the ground up so that they can provide us with guidance and instruction on what we need to give them in the classroom so that we can be successful. Why is this important? m. at night year-round. I want you to imagine the academic enrichment programs and the job programs, the workforce development, again the Building Trades.
If we're building new schools, training our children to build those schools, if we're building new houses, affordable units on market rate, how about training our young people to be prepared for those opportunities. We have exceptional colleges and universities, so that high school graduates are ready to enter the workforce. If we don't find a way to have this out-of-school-time Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 144 01/02/2024 training, we're going to miss a great opportunity to train our next generation of leaders. What does the longer hours mean? It means that parents who are working, they don't have to worry about trying to juggle childcare and earn a living to support their family at the same time. They don't have to feel guilty about I want to take these hours of overtime, but I need to get to school to pick up my child at the same time. We're going to do outreach, allowing my team and I to hear directly from those teachers and counselors and those principals on how to best attract, retain and how to support them. And we're going to seek out committed citizens, and I want you to hear me clearly, to serve our students as members of the School Board. Someone said, Cherelle, you're shouting that out loud but Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 145 01/02/2024 they don't get paid. It's one of the most important acts of public service that you could ever contribute to the City of Philadelphia. And we just need more people to consider having access to the opportunity and not only those people who can afford to sort of mount some kind of campaign. We need those of you who are in this audience and Philadelphians from across this City who have a passion and some academic and educational experience and real-life lived experience as it relates to public education to want to be able to help us with this effort. The final issue that I want to talk to you all about is something that I mentioned that I wasn't sure a lot of people understood. I like things to be organized. And I have never seen here in the City of Philadelphia an organized structure that allowed the Administration to work directly with the business Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 146 01/02/2024 community, the faith-based community and the intergovernmental community. We will be establishing three roundtables and these three roundtables will each have working groups, subject matter experts, for example, the growth and life sciences and biotech, institutions of higher learning, our Chambers of Commerce, workforce development training programs. We want to bring all of these entities together. The people who will be announced very shortly who have been selected to become a part of the Mayor's business roundtable we will announce them shortly, but we are going to lean on this group of individuals along with the business community at large to help us solicit and develop better ideas for how City Hall can serve all of the different constituencies and needs of our diverse city. Let me be clear again, these Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 147 01/02/2024 roundtables will have active vehicles to make and implement new policy in this City. So we want your ideas on how we can be more successful. We hope you will listen to our cause for your leadership to participate and that you will definitely respond. I want you to know that I know this is a lot that we've promised. All this we promise, we do and more. And I believe in a city government that our people can see, touch and feel with visible actions helping people at the neighborhood level, we want a government that can scale impact, take a solid program, expand what works, tweak what doesn't and serve more Philadelphians.
We want a revival a few blocks from here at City Hall, a City Hall that brings out the best of Philly with a more efficient government, one that hears people, is an employer of choice and relies on intergovernmental collaboration to Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 148 01/02/2024 bring more resources to our city. There will no longer be a tale of two cities in Philadelphia. We are going to close the gap between the haves and the have-nots. We're going to put people on the path of self-sufficiency. And what we're going to do is work on giving people the ability to take care of themselves. On this day I'm asking you to help me again. You helped me get here and stand before you today during this history-making moment. And I don't want you to judge me solely by what I'm about to say, but I need your help one more time. I pronounce that I'm not superwoman. I can't do this alone. We need each and every one of you to be engaged. When you get a call from your City government asking you to serve on a committee or on a board, especially when it comes time for us to get into neighborhoods and we talk Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 149 01/02/2024 about having our faith-based roundtables, conduct our information meetings about educational and employment opportunities with the City of Philadelphia, we need those blocks organized and we need you engaged. And it's going to take all of us, the entire City. With that being said, Philadelphia, I want people of you every race, class, socioeconomic status and gender, every religion all coming together. I know you will join me. I have all of the hope in the world that you will join me. I hope you've been feeling a sense of renewed energy. People have said it to me, Cherelle, we feel something that we haven't felt in the City of Philadelphia in a very, very, very long time. And I said to them, thank you. But if you don't want that feeling to go away, you got to make sure you're willing to roll up your Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 150 01/02/2024 sleeves and go to work with us. Philadelphia, I thank you so very much for this opportunity. I want you all to say this with me. Now, you've heard it referenced today. The vision was safer, cleaner, greener with access to economic opportunity for all. But if we all work together, I said that we would be working to build one Philly, a city united. But it's not real unless you say it with me. Everybody put your 1s in the air. Let me hear you all say, One Philly, a united city. )
I love you, Philly, and together we're going to get to work. Thank you. (Standing ovation.)
Let's give the next 100th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia another real big round of applause please. (Applause.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 151 01/02/2024
So we have a couple of housekeeping items. We're not done just yet. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Mayor Shawyn Paterson who traveled from -- Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard of Mt. Vernon, New York, who is head of the African American Mayors Association who came here today to support Mayor Cherelle Parker. Can we give him a round of applause. (Applause.)
I want to also circle back and acknowledge again and thank the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge, past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., former Mayor, former Congresswoman and current Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for taking time out of her schedule and being here today. Let's give her another round of applause. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 152 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
At this time, I want to remind Bibleholders to please follow the program. We will swear in the retention judges of the Common Pleas Court. Next, followed by newly-elected judges of the Common Pleas Court. If you are participating in this part of the program, please make your way to the stage alongside the aisle on the right side of the venue as you face the stage and follow the signs for further direction. But next we have another performance by Enon Baptist Choir. Let's give them a round of applause. (Applause.)
And they will be performing "Even me." (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir performs.) (Applause.)
I Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 153 01/02/2024 want to thank the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir for that performance. At this time, I now invite Archbishop Nelson Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to offer a prayer for our city. ARCHBISHOP PEREZ: Together let us pray. A good and loving God. We, the people of the City of Philadelphia, come before you to bless your name and ask your favor upon us. We bless and praise you, Almighty God, for the new government leadership in our city, especially for our new Mayor Cherelle Parker. With the longstanding values of religious tolerance, cultural pluralism, liberty of conscious of William Penn who stands on top of City Hall, will be the hallmark of our Administration as they have guided the City from its beginning to its presence. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 154 01/02/2024 We ask you, Almighty God, with this new year and a new Mayor and those who will govern with her to bring peace to our streets and end to violence in our neighborhoods. May the poor, the unsheltered, the marginalized be provided the services they need to live with dignity. May good order, justice and regard for all the rights of all become the common project of those who govern and those who are governed. May all in this City have hope and a future filled with great promise. We make this prayer with every confidence of the nearness of God to all people. Amen. (Amen.)
Give Archbishop Perez a round of applause. (Applause.)
I just want to remind everyone to please keep your voices down because Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 155 01/02/2024 we are still officiating and swearing-in of other elected officials. At this time, Chair now invites the newly-elected officials to take the oath of office in the presence of City Council, the Mayor and other dignitaries. Would the retention judges of the Common Pleas Court please rise and take the oath of office. The Clerk will read the certificates of elections for the retention judges for the Commonwealth of the Court of Common Pleas.
Jacqueline F. Allen, Giovanni O. Campbell, Anne Marie B. Coyle, Ramy I. Djerassi, Joe Fernandes, Holly J. Ford, J. Scott O'Keefe, Paula A. Patrick, Sierra Thomas Street and Nina Wright Padilla, at an election held November 7, 2023, you were duly retained Judge of the Common Pleas of Philadelphia County for a ten-year term, commencing the first Monday of Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 156 01/02/2024 January 2024.
The Honorable Nina Wright Padilla, President Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Philadelphia will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WRIGHT PADILLA: Thank you. Please place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WRIGHT PADILLA: Felicidades. Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations, everyone. The Chair now invites the newly-elected judges of the Common Pleas Court to please rise and take the oath of office. The Clerk will read the certificates of election for the newly-elected judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
Jessica Brown, Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 157 01/02/2024 James J. Eisenhower, Damaris Garcia, Chesley Lightsey, Brian J. McLaughlin, John Padova, Elvin P. Ross, Rajinderpal Singh Sandher, Natasha Taylor-Smith, Caroline Turner, Tamika Washington, Samantha J. Williams and Kay Yu, at an election held November 7, 2023 you were duly-elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Philadelphia County for a ten-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
Judge Nina Padilla Wright will administer the oath of office. JUDGE WRIGHT PADILLA: Thank you. Please excuse my back. Please place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE WRIGHT PADILLA: Felicidades. Congratulations. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 158 01/02/2024 (Applause.)
Congratulations, everyone. At this time, I will remind Bible-holders that we will swear in the retention judges of the Municipal Court. Next, followed by the newly-elected judges of the Municipal Court. If you are participating in these parts of the program, please make your way to the stage along the aisle on the right side of the venue as you face the stage and follow the signs for further direction. The Chair now invites the retention judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia to stand and take the oath of office. The Clerk will please read the certificate of election for the retention judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia.
Marissa Brumbach, William A. Meehan, Jr., Bradley K. Moss, David C. Shuter, Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 159 01/02/2024 Karen Yvette Simmons and Marvin Louis Williams, at an election held November 7, 2023 you were duly retained Judge of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia County for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
The Honorable Patrick Dugan, President Judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court will administer the oath of office. JUDGE DUGAN: Yes, we're going to wait for a Bible-holder please. Chaz, Chaz Simmons, we need you. Give Chaz a round of applause. (Applause.) JUDGE DUGAN: Judges, place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE DUGAN: Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 160 01/02/2024 Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The Chair now invites the newly-elected judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia to stand and take the oath of office. The Clerk will please read the certificates of election for the newly-elected judges of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia.
Colleen McIntyre Osborne and Barbara Susan Thomson, at an election held November 7, 2023, you were duly-elected Judge of the Municipal Court of Philadelphia for a six-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
The Honorable Judge Dugan will administer the oath of office. JUDGE DUGAN: Place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 161 01/02/2024 hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE DUGAN: Congratulations. (Applause.)
At this time, I will remind Bible-holders that we will swear in the City Commissioners next, followed by the Sheriff, the City Controller and the Register of Wills in that order. If you are participating in these parts of the program, please make your way to the stage along the aisle on the right side of the venue as you face the stage and follow the signs for further direction. Thank you. The Chair now invites the City Commissioners to stand as their names are called. They are Lisa M. Deeley, Omar Sabir and Seth Bluesteen -- Bluestein. The Chief Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 162 01/02/2024 Clerk will read the certificates of election for the City Commissioners.
Lisa M. Deeley, Omar Sabir and Seth Bluestein, at an election held November 7, 2023 you were duly-elected City Commissioners of Philadelphia County for a term of four years, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
The Carolyn H. Nichols, Judge of Pennsylvania Superior Court, will administer the oath of office. JUDGE NICHOLS: Good afternoon. Everybody ready? (Yes.) JUDGE NICHOLS: All right. Place your left hand on the Holy Book. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE NICHOLS: Congratulations. (Applause.) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 163 01/02/2024
Congratulations. The Chair invites the newlyelected Sheriff of Philadelphia, Rochelle Bilal, to stand and take the oath of office. The Clerk will please read the certificate of election for the Sheriff of Philadelphia.
Rochelle Bilal, at an election held November 7, 2023 you were duly-elected Sheriff of the City of Philadelphia for a four-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
Judge Nichols will administer the oath of office. JUDGE NICHOLS: All ready? (Yes.) JUDGE NICHOLS: All right. Place your left hand on book of choice, the Holy Book. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 164 01/02/2024 administered.) JUDGE NICHOLS: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations, Sheriff. The Chair now invites Christy Brady, City Controller, to stand to take her oath of office. The Chief Clerk will read the certificate of election for the City Controller.
Christy Brady, at an election held November 7, 2023, you were duly-elected City Controller of the City of Philadelphia for a four-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024. JUDGE NICHOLS: Everybody ready? (Yes.) JUDGE NICHOLS: All right. Place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. (Oath of office Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 165 01/02/2024 administered.) JUDGE NICHOLS: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. The Chair now invites John Sabatina, Register of Wills, to stand and take the oath of office. The Chief Clerk will read the certification of election for the Register of Wills. That's actually John Sabatina, Sr.
John Sabatina, Sr., at an election held November 7, 2023, you were duly-elected Register of Wills of the City of Philadelphia for a four-year term, commencing the first Monday of January 2024.
The oath of office will be administered to the Register of Wills by his son, the Honorable John Sabatina, Jr., Judge of the Common Pleas Court of Philadelphia. Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 166 01/02/2024 JUDGE SABATINA: Thank you. Thank you. Please place your left hand on the Bible. Raise your right and repeat after me. (Oath of office administered.) JUDGE SABATINA: Congratulations. (Applause.)
Congratulations. And also, congratulations to all of the newlyelected officials today. At this time, we have a special musical presentation for our newly-elected Mayor. In honor of Mayor Parker's historic win as the first woman Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, we invited the Philadelphia Girls Choir to perform a special mel -- melody musical arrangement. In the past, the Philadelphia Boys Choir has always performed at previous inaugurations. This will be the first time Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 167 01/02/2024 the Philadelphia Girls Choir is joining us, and we felt the choir's inaugural performance before the first female Mayor of our city. Please join me in welcoming the Philadelphia Girl's Choir to perform "Rise up & Stand For Something," arranged by Dr. Tony Hall, Adjunct Music Instructor at Cheyney and Lincoln Universities and Philadelphia Girl's Choir Music Director Nathan Wadley. The choir is being directed this morning by Associate Music Director Laura Harmon. Let's give these young ladies a real big round of applause. (Applause.) (Philadelphia Girls Choir performs.)
Let's give them a real big round of applause, y'all. That's our future. (Applause.)
At this time, the Chair now invites Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 168 01/02/2024 Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer, Presiding Bishop and President of the Philadelphia Council of Clergy to give a final prayer. I ask all members and guests to please stand for the benediction. ARCHBISHOP FLOYD PALMER: Let us bow our heads. It is because of your mercy, God, that we are not consumed. They are new, every morning great is your faithfulness. For this day ordained by you that we are here to witness, we thank you. We ask continued protection and wisdom over our beloved Mayor. Our elected members of City Council along with its leader, the Council President, all of the judges to maintain fairness and to exact justice with mercy. For all of the other elected officials, our Sheriff, our Register of Wills, our City Commissioners and our Controller, we thank you for them Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 169 01/02/2024 and their oath and public pledge to serve with fidelity. Now, God, we have spent our time well. We thank you for this moment in history and we give you praise. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace. May the Lord preserve you from all evil if you're going out and you're coming in, in your rising and in your setting so that goodness and mercy will follow on the days of your life. And for that we say God bless you. In the name of the Father, our creator, in the name of the Son, Jesus, my Savior whom I live, move and have my being. In the name of the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost that covers and keep us. Amen, amen and amen. God bless you. (Amen.)
Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 170 01/02/2024 Thank you, Archbishop, for your inspiring words. Can everyone please be seated. Our final musical selection today is the Monumental Baptist Church Choir who will perform "America the Beautiful." The choir is directed by Minister Gary Taylor. (Monumental Baptist Church Choir performs.) (Applause.)
I don't think I've heard that one before. Remind me of Marvin Gaye. Let's give them another round of applause please, the Monumental Baptist Church Choir. (Applause.)
As we conclude the ceremony, I want to thank the Inaugural Committees, specifically Wendy Prescott as well as Mary Ellen. I want to give them a shout-out for taking the lead and organizing this event and for Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 171 01/02/2024 everyone who participated in making this day a success. I want to also ask for -- say I want to personally just say congratulations to all my colleagues. Let's give them a round of applause for being re-elected for their election. (Applause.)
And also, let's give our Mayor Cherelle Parker another round of applause. (Applause.)
The Chair now recognizes Majority Leader Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson.
Thank you, Mr. President. I move that Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 172 01/02/2024 Chair recognizes Councilmember Bass.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Council stand adjourned until Thursday, January 25th of 2024 at 10:00 a.m. All in favor, let it be known by saying aye. (Aye.)
m. Thank you very much. And congratulations, everyone. ) Inauguration -- Stated Meeting 173 01/02/2024 C E R T I F I C A T I O N I, hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence noted are contained fully and accurately in the stenographic notes taken by me in the foregoing matter, and that this is a correct transcript of the same. E. m. S.