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WHEREAS, John H. Adams, a Hill District native and graduate of Schenley High School, departed this life on Sunday, June 5, 2011; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was married to Margaret Colbert for 53 years, they had two daughters Laura Adams-Hunt and Cynthia Adams-Glenn, and his parents were Lorenzo and Sadie Adams; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was a faithful patriot serving in the United States Army where he fought bravely for his country in China, Burma, and India during World War 2; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams published the very first black business directory in Pittsburgh called the New Negro Directory, he also helped more than 300 minority businesses receive certification for individual minority business enterprises, and helped nearly 40 similar minority purchasing councils nationwide receive various certifications; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams was appointed as Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Business Resource Center in 1972, the only ever appointed Executive Director, which has evolved into the current Pittsburgh Regional Minority Purchasing Council; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Adams served on many Boards of Directors, including the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Alleghany Club, Goodwill Industries, Small Business Administration, District Export Council, Minority Business Enterprise Committee of the City of Pittsburgh, Urban Youth Action, and Poise Foundation; and,
WHEREAS, He was an active member of the Golden Star Lodge #143 FAM, and was the first African-American President of the Downtown Pittsburgh Rotary Club, as well as serving as Alderman to the 5th ward in 1965;
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize, the critical contributions Mr. Adams' made in promoting small businesses and exponentially increasing minority enterprise in the City of Pittsburgh.