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Residents urge council to honor community mentor with Hickory Street dedication
Summary
Council approved a resolution to dedicate the 500 block of Hickory Street as Jerry Christian Way. Family and community members described Christian as a mentor who founded youth basketball programs and ran summer programming.
Allentown City Council considered and advanced R149, a resolution to dedicate the 500 block of Hickory Street as Jerry Christian Way.
During public comment Al Blunt, who identified himself as a mentee of Jerry Christian, thanked the council and described Christian as a "devout Christian man" and a mentor who "role modeled" for young people, ran summer programs and helped bring basketball players to Cumberland Gardens and Clyde D Basket Park. Blunt said "AAU is Jerry Christian. City League basketball is Jerry Christian. Being a good Christian is Jerry Christian."
A second speaker, who identified herself as Stephanie, and Daryl Hendrix both described Christian's mentorship, his role at Filania Park and Cumberland Gardens, and his influence in keeping young people out of trouble. Speakers said Christian's contributions included organizing city league play and summer programs that served young people across Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.
Council approved the dedication by common consent earlier in the meeting; no formal roll call was recorded at the time of public praise, and the motion to move R149 to the start of the agenda was made by the president.
