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WHEREAS, Sherman Wellons always believed men are at their best when they take their part and show strength, as an example for youngsters; and,
WHEREAS, when the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King brought violence to other areas of the City of Pittsburgh, Mr. Wellons and others in the Beltzhoover neighborhood organized a group known as Big Daddies, maintaining a presence that kept peace in the neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, Sherman Wellons, took a look at his daughter's fifth-grad social studies textbook and didn't like its depiction of African-Americans. Not one to sit back and not take action, Mr. Wellons soon became a part of the Pittsburgh Public Schools committee reviewing and replacing out-of-date texts. He enlisted the aid of the NAACP, Education Committee and literally changed the Pittsburgh Public School's Social Studies program in the 5th, 8th and 11th grades, to more accurately and fairly portray African American history; and,
WHEREAS, it was his mix of outspokenness and willingness to get involved that marked the adulthood of Sherman Wellons. Through appointments or volunteering, Mr. Wellons served on the city's Cable Advisory Committee; the Pittsburgh NAACP Education Committee; the PennDOT Advisory Committee and the board of the Program to Aid Citizens Enterprise; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Wellons touched so many people in positive ways, too numerous to recount or remember. He was one of the biggest jokesters in any group and played pinochle with unmatched enthusiasm. Sherman Wellons is a man not easy to forget. He was passionate about ideas and social policy and widely read in history, philosophy and black literature; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Wellons is survived by his wife, Constance; two daughters, Stephanie Wellons of Beltzhoover and Sandra Wellons-Atim of Troy, Ohio; one son, Sherman Jr. of Phoenix; one brother, Robert of Beltzhoover and eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Wellons was pre-deceased by his son, Stacy Wellons.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim February 5, 2008 Sherman Wellons Day in the City of Pittsburgh.