Title
Proclamation honoring the late Charles "Teenie" Harris and the late Frank E. Bolden, who will be recognized at the 2009 Spirit of King Awards Ceremony for their lifetime achievements in the pursuit of human right and equality.
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WHEREAS, each year, the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the Kingsley Association, and the Pittsburgh Pirates recognize two individuals for their lifetime achievements in the pursuit of human rights and equality; and
WHEREAS, this year's “Spirit of King Award” honorees are the late Charles “Teenie” Harris and the late Frank E. Bolden; and
WHEREAS, Teenie Harris gained recognition as a photographer, taking more than 80,000 photos of such famous subjects as Lena Horne, Duke Ellington, and Roberto Clemente, as well as photos of individuals from all walks of life. Teenie used his freelance position with the Pittsburgh Courier to highlight many of the positive aspects of the black community, which led to some of his most famous photos; and
WHEREAS, Frank Bolden likewise gained recognition during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Courier, where he spent many years rising through the ranks up to the position of City Editor. Frank made history in 1942 when he became one of the first two African-American Accredited War Correspondents. His continued accomplishments led to a citation from the U.S. War Department for Distinguished Reporting During World War II; and
WHEREAS, both Teenie and Frank were responsible for a multitude of contributions outside of their early careers. Teenie was one of the founding members of the Pittsburgh Crawfords, an amateur sandlot team that eventually became a part of the Negro Baseball League. Frank served on numerous community boards and foundations and also worked as a reporter with NBC, as Associate Director of Information Services and Community Relations with Pittsburgh Public Schools, and as the Senior Archivist for former Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council joins with the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the Kingsley Association, and the Pittsburgh Pirates in honoring the many contributions of Charles “Teenie” Harris and Frank E. Bolden to the causes of human rights and equality.