Men for Positive Change honors Philadelphia’s FIRSTS

“Men For Positive Change headed by William Mackey–held their first Black History Month event since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
February is Black History Month, and in keeping the emphasis on Black culture and achievements on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Men for Positive Change honored Philadelphians that are either first in their fields or on the verge of breaking barriers.
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal was sworn into a four-year term on January 6, 2020. She’s the first African American woman as well as the first woman elected to that office in the 181-year history of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office. A 27-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, Bilal is a tireless advocate for criminal justice reform.
Sheriff Bilal shared that she grew up in North Philadelphia, and her family values and the support of the community she received growing up have guided her life. She was a young woman when she entered law enforcement, and at that time, the police department was male-dominated. She moved through the ranks of the police department, advancing through Investigations, Sex Crimes, and Narcotics. While transitioning, she realized the difference that female officers brought to the Police Department. Because of her passion and love for the community and youth, she was elected President of the Guardian Civic League–where she worked with retired and active police officers to bridge the gap between the community and police. Sheriff Bilal is also a long-time member of the Philadelphia NAACP, where she served 15 years as the Secretary.
Register of Wills, Tracey Gordon is the first African American female to hold this elected office in Philadelphia. The daughter of a former Philadelphia Police Officer mother and a filmmaker father, Gordon was born at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The Temple University Honors graduate was introduced to public service while attending Girl’s High. An inspiration to many, Gordon’s passion for community-based representation within Philadelphia’s public offices serves as a blueprint for current grassroots candidates. As Register of Wills, Gordon continues her over 20 years of service to Philadelphia constituents.
The youngest of the honorees, Mijae C. Carter, is a freshman at Philadelphia High School for Girls. Currently studying photography and making college plans, Carter also has her sights set on world travel and photographing places around the world. Dedicated and loyal, she’s a member of the Girls Track Enhancement Character Program, Philadelphia Youth Leadership Council, President of Men for Positive Change’s Youth Council, and a student participant of the Metropolitan Environmental Technology (MET) program. An active member of Transform Church in West Philadelphia, Carter is an absolute inspiration to all those she encounters.
Linda Richardson was honored posthumously, as she passed in November 2020. Aissia Richardson, Linda’s daughter, spoke of her mother’s dedication and lifetime commitment to North Philadelphia residents and her fight to restore the Uptown Theater. Aissia profoundly stated that her mother’s legacy continues and that The Uptown will be restored.
Richard “Sonny” Driver was also honored posthumously. “Sonny” Driver left a powerful continuing legacy in the iconic 62-year-old publication of Scoop USA, which is currently owned and operated by Sherri Horsey-Darden. Driver personally mentored and hand-picked Horsey-Darden to continue his legacy of community and friendship building. Driver, a World War II veteran born in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, was passionate about the people of the city and always mindful that Scoop was the voice of the people of the community.
Lastly, Senator Sharif Street spoke of the history of the Street family and how his Uncle, Milton Street initiated the family’s lifetime investment in Philadelphia politics. He spoke of how one choice can lead to another when you are fighting for “what’s right.” As well as, how when someone is touched to fight for what’s right, that person’s entire life can change.
Throughout the evening, each presenter spoke of “history” and how their upbringing steered their lives toward improving the quality of life for Philadelphia residents.
Excerpts of this event can be viewed on the Scoop website.