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WHEREAS in commemoration of the great accomplishments made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the African-American struggle for civil rights, the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Kingsley Association, will once again host their annual "Spirit of King Award" program, to be held on January 11th, 2007; and
WHEREAS each year as part of this celebration, one particular local individual is selected to receive the "Spirit of King Award," an award that seeks to pay homage to those men and women who have sought to emulate, implement, and build upon both the vision and the goals of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS as this year's award recipient, Mr. Robert E. "Pappy" Williams will be honored as a person who shared Dr. King's concern for improving the well-being of the community through selfless service and dedicated leadership; and
WHEREAS born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 1st, 1907, Mr. Williams excelled scholastically, professionally, and politically, while never forgetting to make the best use of his talents by continuously giving back to the community of which he was a part; and
WHEREAS having held a number of political offices throughout his lifetime, including Deputy Constable (5th Ward), Constable (5th Ward), and the first African-American to serve as Magistrate and Democratic Ward Chairman within the City of Pittsburgh, Mr. Williams helped to pave the way for many future African-American politicians who directly benefited as a result of his tireless efforts; and
WHEREAS having passed away on April 7th, 1964, Robert E. "Pappy" Williams has left behind a legacy of hope, dedication, service, and achievement to African-Americans and the City of Pittsburgh as a whole.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to express its gratitude for the vital efforts of Mr. Robert E. "Pappy Williams", while also taking this opportunity to recognize him as the 2007 "Spirit of King Award" recipient.