This old war horse has lived to see the next generation stand and take control, my thanks to each and everyone one of you for coming into my life and allowing me to take a step back or two so that the new brilliant minds can carry the load, and lead us to victory.

I would like to thank my two partners that helped me and Ruth picket the school district headquarters , Ronald Shipman Scott (wm penn comprehensive daycare alumni class of 2002) and (Bobby Shipman IV) both did what they could to get the staff and visitors at the District to take notice. It is their future and their victory as well!

On Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 9:17 AM, Bunmi Samuel <friendsdirector@gmail.com> wrote:

Good Morning Good People:

I concur with Allison that yesterday was a momentous occasion in our community. It felt so good to stand with community residents like Dorris Berris who have lived around William Penn for over 40 years and attended Penn in the 50's, and 17 children did so as well. Or to stand side by side with young people from Richard Allen boldly holding signs for the duration of the hearing, even after Chairman Bob Archie continually asked "whether we wanted to sit and whether we were tired". Or listening to the powerful and riveting testimonies of all of you- like a beautiful orchestra playing a symphony; everything came together- the historic overview of Miriam Evans, the policy and detailed perspective of W. Curtis Thomas, the focused words of Mr. Heard (which raised silence among the SRC Members and Financial Officer Mr. Masch), the alumni clarity of Shauntie Agnew, Nicole Airs, and Ronald Shipman, the piercing impact of Ms. Ruth Birchett, and so many other students, parents, and community members. Many thanks to the Friends Neighborhood Guild for continually supporting the hard issues. The State Rep.'s office for being a central force and taking a stand when other officials did not show up. And of course Allison for your selfless service and energy.

Thank you to all those who canvassed/Rallied (Monica, Angella, Michelle, Keith, Ronald, Tamara, Allison, Ms. Ruth, Ms. Dyson) in the rain or shine, while talking to people who may of had doubts. To the 1,000's who signed the petitions on and offline. Thank you to all those who attended Tuesday meetings, made phone calls, spoke about the issue at the water cooler, at work, in church or in the neighborhood. The issue was on everyone's lips. Reverend Johnson for your wise words and consistency. All the people we don't see, but support by writing blogs and communicating on Facebook. Thanks to the media leaders Micah Simms, Elisha B. Morris, Gabriel Bryant, Maisha Sullivan, other sources. Our online push (Thank you Antoinette, Rashad, Aashir, Bob Shipman, Moses Mayes) power has grown to a community of 1,000 over one month, database of 1500 over two months, and pride within the community that is immeasureable. I was at a restaurant last night and the waitresses were talking about William Penn, relating the William Penn School staying open to opportunities to keep working. Surrounding small businesses that may of otherwise closed when anti-community development arrived have a stake at the public school staying open. William Penn's Revitalization means an opportunity to discuss economic equity and redevelopment in our communities as well.

More Thank You's:

We have captured some great footage and a treatment for the Save William Penn Documentary (thanks to Johnathan Centeno, Aisha Winfield), and proposal/articles (thanks to Akilah Green, Weldon Mc Williams, so many others). Also, United Impact for bringing to the Coalition's attention the inconsistencies in the facility issues and assessments. Thank you to the Philly Student Union-Erika Almiron and her students for taking interest and recommending great ways to engage young people.

Thank you Tamara Ali for fundraising and establishing an event presence. Thank you Ockimay for producing the parent list that was difficult otherwise to come by.

I look forward to meeting on Tuesday to begin the planning process. I want to request everyone who testified to forward a copy of your document , so we can keep it on file. It is extremely important to document the process-happenings. It happened so fast, and keeping the pulse of how it happened is key. In addition, we need to continue to canvass, build our online community, grow our alumni, parent, student, and community support-and keep a steady management of the issue as it develops. THE SCHOOL REMAINS OPEN, BUT WE ARE JUST BEGINNING!

I apologized if I missed anyone. I'm working on 4 hrs. of sleep. All in All, please tell everyone you know about what you experienced and when you have a chance journal, so you capture the event while its still new.

Later today a press release will be distributed from the Coalition to the news and television media. Please stand by for a copy.

Humbly,

Bunmi Samuel
Coalition for the Revitalization of William Penn
William Penn EPIC Stakeholders
Friends Neighborhood Guild
215-989-9809
friendsdirector@gmail.com






--
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