Philadelphia City Council Unanimously Condemns Threats to Remove Slavery References and Deployment of Troops
Philadelphia’s City Council voted 13-0 on Thursday to pass two resolutions condemning efforts to remove slavery references from the President’s House on Independence Mall and opposing the deployment of troops to cities.
The President’s House reflects the residence maintained by former President George Washington during most of his tenure, where he also illegally kept nine enslaved individuals. President Donald Trump issued a directive in March to remove language referencing enslavement at the President’s House, as part of efforts to eliminate historical aspects he claimed are divisive.
The resolution was introduced last week by Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson on behalf of Council President Kenyatta Johnson and passed unanimously. After the session, Johnson emphasized the city’s responsibility to protect the President’s House, which is situated on city-owned land leased to the federal government.
“For me, that’s more the reason why we have a stake in making sure the exhibit stays there,” Johnson said. “We’ll explore all of our options, legally and legislatively, to keep the exhibit in place and, most importantly, highlight the fact that we actually own it—not the federal government.”
Meanwhile, the President’s House/Slavery Memorial Alliance has formed a diverse coalition spanning race, religion, and other demographics, according to attorney and activist Michael Coard. The group recently held two rounds of Zoom calls that increased interest and brought together experts from various fields to develop response strategies.
The alliance plans to present a detailed plan of action on October 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Zion Baptist Church in North Philadelphia.
Trump’s executive order set a September 17 deadline for removing materials deemed non-compliant. A spokesperson for the Department of the Interior (DOI) told The Tribune that any removed items would be stored. As of this publication, nothing has been removed, and no pre-emptive lawsuits have been filed. The DOI did not respond to requests for further comment following Johnson’s remarks about the lease agreement.
“Our group is prepared to protect the site by any means necessary,” Coard said in a phone interview on Thursday.
The resolution denouncing the deployment of National Guard troops garnered the most vocal support from public commenters. Testifiers urged the Council to protect the city and vulnerable communities of color targeted by the Trump administration and to resist what they described as bullying from the White House.
Many highlighted Philadelphia’s progress in reducing homicide and crime rates through community initiatives and targeted investments, rather than relying on an increased armed presence from outside forces.
“In Philadelphia, we are known for standing up for our rights, and we don’t like people telling us what to do and what our city needs,” said Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, who introduced the resolution, during her floor speech. “We take care of our own. This is why I’m concerned about the city’s current approach.”
Brooks also plans to hold hearings on this topic alongside issues regarding reduced funding for reproductive health services. She had voted against all budget bills in June in protest of funding cuts to these essential services.
Councilmember Brian O’Neill was the lone dissenting vote against the resolution.
In other Council actions, members voted 13-0 to amend the “Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards.” Under the new rules, employers may review felony records up to seven years back, but misdemeanor records only up to four years.
“Philadelphia believes in second chances, and this legislation proves it,” said Councilmember Rue Landau, sponsor of the legislation. “By shortening lookback periods, removing the lowest-level offenses in line with state law, and clarifying the process for employers, we are opening doors for thousands of residents ready to work and contribute.”
Landau added, “Employment opportunities are essential for the wellbeing and reintegration of Philadelphians with records, helping create safer, stronger communities. This is good for job seekers, businesses, and Philadelphia’s economy. No one should be defined forever by a single action, and today we are making that promise real.”
Stay informed and connected—subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune today.
—
**Community Engagement Guidelines**
Please keep comments clean and respectful. Avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– **Turn off CAPS LOCK.**
– **No threats.** Threats of harm will not be tolerated.
– **Be truthful.** Do not knowingly spread false information.
– **Be nice.** No racism, sexism, or degrading -isms.
– **Be proactive.** Use the ‘Report’ link to flag abusive posts.
– **Share with us.** We welcome eyewitness accounts and historical perspectives.
—
**Job Hunting Challenges for Black Gen Zers in Philadelphia**
Job hunting for Black and African American youth in Philadelphia often comes with unexpected halts and frustrations. Unemployment rates for these groups are higher than for other racial and age demographics in the city.
—
*Subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune for more local news and updates.*
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/phillys-city-council-denounces-trump-over-plans-for-slavery-exhibit-troop-deployment/article_19eea068-1b82-4676-8a8e-6f765057bbc2.html
