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Crime and trash-strewn alleyways are two major issues that create eyesores in sections of South Philly. Ignoring these problems only will worsen the situation. Adé Fuqua, South Philly’s PhillyRising Collaborative coordinator, has taken more of a hands-on approach that is generating positive feedback.
The Germantown native highlighted one particular cleanup on the 2100 block of Earp Street in which the program, a segment of the Managing Director’s Office, had removed four tons of trash from an alley.
“I think that it’s interesting to point out that we found trash dated from 30 years ago,” Fuqua said noting a Pepsi bottle’s packaging was the giveaway. “The people are now guarding the alley with their life.”
But organizing cleanups is only a small sampling of how he aids local citizens. In Southeast Philly over the summer, Fuqua led the Citizen Engagement Academy, which taught residents how to navigate City government, at United Communities of Southeast Philadelphia, 2029 S. Eighth St.
In Point Breeze, he coordinated with volunteers and resources to form the Philadelphia Youth Music Program at Wilson Park, 2201 S. 25th St., to offer youngsters ages 12 to 17 — some of whom are from the juvenile probation system — hands-on training from local established music professionals like Carvin Haggins, a North Philly songwriter and producer, whose songs were nominated for five Grammys last year.
He also keeps an eye on crime and public safety by working closely with the 1st, 3rd and 17th police districts. The common thread through all of these components is achieving the overall goal of improving the quality of life for South Philadelphians.
“It’s a people thing for me,” Fuqua, who now resides in Northern Liberties, said. “Seeing anybody that’s underserved or underprivileged being able to achieve something makes me feel good.”
But as appreciative as the W.B. Saul and Penn State University grad is of the Difference Maker nod, he noted there is a more deserving group worthy of the recognition.
“I would like to nominate the community because they’re the one doing all of the work,” Fuqua said.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
Other 2012 Difference Makers
/ Joe Barbuto / Ella Best / Paul Bryson / Nicole Canale /
/ Jasmaine, Jeannine & Jenielle Cook / Erin Dougherty /
/ Duane Davis / Frank Franzini / Adé Fuqua / Bennie & Hilda Hudson /
/ Ray Innaurato / Ed McBride / Jeannine McGuire / Carrolyn Minggia /
/ Teri Ruiz & Leah Vodila / Jeffrey Rush / Rev. John Stabeno /
/ Marina Stamos / Anne Stanfield-Hagert / Charles Stecker / Megan West /
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