Title
Proclamation commending the 2007 Spirit of King Award sponsors for honoring the lifetime achievement of the late Mr. Robert E. "Pappy" Williams.
Body
WHEREAS, the late Mr. Robert E. “Pappy” Williams was born on Tannehill Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1907. In his 57 years of life, he never lived more than 18 blocks from his birthplace and was always available to help his fellow man; and
WHEREAS, “Pappy” was a powerful political leader for more than three decades (1931-1964). His leadership engendered respect for his community at the city, state and national levels and his accomplishments are unsurpassed; and
WHEREAS, he was appointed as Deputy Constable in 1931, appointed as Constable of the City of Pittsburgh's 5th Ward in 1934, was elected as Constable of the 5th Ward in 1939 and was re-elected in 1943 by a landslide vote. He established a private detective agency in 1936, and he was the first African-American to be appointed as a City Detective in 1945; and
WHEREAS, in 1946, Mr. Williams was appointed as a City Magistrate and according to Ebony Magazine was only one of 21 African-Americans in the nation to be involved in the judiciary in 1950; and
WHEREAS, he was an active volunteer and served in the following organizations: Saint Richard's Church, Centre Avenue YMCA's Board of Management and Membership Drives, NAACP, Frontiers of America, North Side Elks Lodge, Shriners, 32nd Degree Mason, Hill City Board Member, and the Loendi Club Board of Governors;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby commend the 2007 “Spirit of King” Award sponsors for their wisdom in honoring the late Mr. Robert E. “Pappy” Williams. His commitment to public service is an inspiration to us all and, while we cannot hope to replace him, we can honor his memory by commending and emulating the spirit of his dedication.