Celebrate Flag Day
Celebrate the birthday of Philadelphia's Civic Flag every March 27!
 
McCook The Reverend Doctor Henry C. McCook (1837-1911)

Back in 1894, Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook wrote a letter to then mayor, Edwin S. Stuart, suggesting that Philadelphia adopt a civic flag as a means of promoting civic pride. "The display and constant use of a Philadelphia Civic Flag would act towards the strengthening of civic pride, precisely as similar use of the National Flag tends to foster a spirit of national loyalty."

McCook's efforts proved fruitful. On March 27, 1895, an official civic flag was ordained by city council, designed using drawings McCook included in his letter.



Maneto Award Recipients

[PFCP - was dormant between 2015 and 2019]

2020
HONOREE
Chase Lenfest
This extraordinary Philadelphian carries forth the proud legacy of his family by dedicating his time and resources for the betterment of Philadelphia. Chase’s vision for his North 10 Project is to serve the Hunting Park and East Tioga Communities by facilitating economic growth, increasing housing options, enhancing learning opportunities and promoting wellness in order for current residents and future generations to live happy, healthy and civically engaged lives. His civic engagement extends beyond his North 10 Initiative in his desire to weave into the fabric of our communities the messages embedded on our Philly Flag. Chase believes these messages of Philadelphia Maneto, which means “To Let Brotherly Love Continue” and its four embedded symbols on The Flag of Peace, Hope, Justice and Prosperity are concepts that can Unite and build Social Capital, Community Connectedness. Chase is aware that high levels of social capital in a community equate to higher educational achievement, less crime and violence, faster economic growth and better performing Governmental Institutions. His commitment and generosity help make Philly Flag Fest and The Philadelphia Maneto Awards possible…continuing the Legacy his Father began.


2020
PEACE
Frank Gillis-Corbitt, Jaden Burnett and Quadir Gamble
These three inspiring young men embody the Philadelphia Maneto Message as depicted on our City Flag. They have “Let Brotherly Love Continue” through Peace by taking on Anti-Gun Violence and better community and police relations after two teens were shot at a high school football game. Their Anti-Violence Basketball Tournament was designed to bring Parkway Center City Middle College Students together with 9th District Police Officers to send a message that they “not only want a better relationship with the police, they need one”. They have a goal of ending gun violence together with the police and they have the wisdom to know it starts from a place of peace. Their participation in the annual Fill The Steps Against Gun Violence at The Art Museum and support of “Moms Bonded by Grief” further illustrates their intention for Peace. Their Activism has taken them to Harrisburg and DC to call attention to gun violence and its impact on all our lives.


2020
HOPE
Zach Bookbinder & Azir Harris
An inspiring hopeful story of two young men from different backgrounds and areas of our region coming together to further The Philly Maneto message on our City Flag of “Letting Brotherly Love Continue” through their beautiful story that brings us all more hope when we see the kindness and compassion of others in action. Zach Bookbinder created a basketball fundraising tournament to benefit a fellow teen, Azir Harris, a gunshot survivor who was hit 5 times and paralyzed in 2018 in South Philadelphia. Their union brought together the city and the suburbs and brought hope and a smile back to Azir who was moved that all these strangers came together for him. The boost of over $5000 of funds helped during a trying time for the family which further gave everyone involved the hope that these two most deserving young men are being recognized for activating in those that hear their story.


2020
JUSTICE
Ryshee Shaw
inspired to create the “Rise Up Break the Chains Youth March” intended to protest gun violence, mass incarceration and bullying. It was a March down Broad Street from York St. to City Hall walking along a casket to shock people into noticing what is happening amongst the youth in our City. At a young age, Ryshee lost his Father to a murder in Brewerytown, he has spent time in foster care and was bullied as a child. He notices that children are killing children and he knows the youth are the future of Philadelphia. In spite of personal hardships Ryshee was driven to stand for something that would make a difference for others. This special young man is embodying the messages on our Philly Flag of “Letting Brotherly Love Continue” and taking a stand for Justice for all.


2020
PROSPERITY
Victoria Wylie
This extraordinary young woman is making a profound impact on improving the lives of others. Especially those impacted by gun violence. She Founded and works tirelessly for The Donte Wylie Foundation which is dedicated to the memory of her brother, “Taylay”, whom she lost to murder in July 2008. The Foundation provides safe spaces for survivors of gun violence, those who have caused harm and community members to come together and heal and explore solutions to reduce gun violence. As though her years of dedication are not enough she also works on The Youth Commision for Change and leads The Trauma Club to help gunshot survivors get the help they may need from housing to all kinds of support services, all in an effort to help them prosper in spite of their trauma. In an interesting coincidence, Azir Harris (Co-Awardee for Hope) is part of her gunshot survivors group (paraplegic and quadriplegic survivors) The Trauma Club runs that meets the 3rd Monday of each month.


2015
PEACE
2015 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors has voted unanimously to honor you with a 2015 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in recognition of a lifetime of good deeds, in your chosen medical field, as a pioneer in caring for those in need through your central role in the establishment of the first Ronald McDonald House, and as a staunch supporter of education, as evidenced by your work with the St. James School.


2015
HOPE
2015 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors has voted unanimously to honor your team with a 2015 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in recognition of a brilliant 2014 baseball season, in which you competed for the Little League World Series Championship, representing Philadelphia with distinction, dignity and the highest level of sportsmanship. You made us all proud to be Philadelphians, giving abundant hope to the citizens of our city, especially its youth, during the unforgettable Summer of 2014!


2015
JUSTICE
2015 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors has voted unanimously to honor you,with a 2015 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in recognition of a stellar career in law enforcement, having established a reputation, on a national level, for toughness and fairness. Being named to President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing is evidence of the highest level of respect toward you, and has elevated Philadelphia’s image as a city where justice prevails.


2015
PROSPERITY
2015 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors has voted unanimously to honor you with a 2015 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in recognition of your tireless efforts on behalf of Philadelphia high school students. Your “Germination Society”, designed to recognize and cultivate those native Philadelphian students who demonstrate leadership potential, benefits not only those students identified, but our city at-large, by providing global business connections for Philadelphia. Your efforts are a major step towards reclaiming the "once and future greatness of Philadelphia!" as you have so passionately stated, in an effort to bring prosperity to the city and its citizens!


2015
HONOREE
2015 Maneto Award
Will Smith, Sr., our Honorary Philadelphia Maneto Award winner, lives the (Brotherly) love. A born Philadelphian, and successful businessman, Will l embodies those virtues and values all people cherish: honesty, wisdom, compassion and thoughtfulness. He is intelligent without being arrogant, generous without asking for anything in return, modest to a fault and loyal to his family, friends and city. Will has been an exemplary father, a mentor to many young people and a supporter of education and culture. In short, Mr. Smith continues to be a positive ambassador, and a credit to Philadelphia. On the 10th Anniversary of Partners For Civic Pride, the PFCP Board wishes to honor Will I. for laying the first perfect brick in the PFCP Foundation! Bravo Grandagio and thank you!


2015
HONOREE
2015 Maneto Award
Gerry Lenfest, in unassuming fashion, has had profound and far-reaching positive impact on Philadelphia’s culture and citizens. He has funded many scholarships, libraries, music and art programs, health initiatives, and educational organizations on behalf of our city’s youth. He even prevented the closing of the City’s swimming pools when there were no other apparent options. His countless supported projects have included The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Collection, the Museum of the American Revolution, the SS United States, our City Flag, and most recently making sure that our Veterans have a city-wide Veteran’s Day Parade. So much of his support has been given anonymously, without seeking recognition, and that is the very definition of generosity. A modest man with grand vision and a ready helping hand, the people of Philadelphia owe Gerry Lenfest a debt of gratitude that we could never repay, and that he would never ask for.


2015
HONOREE
2015 Maneto Award
Rev. Dr. Henry C. McCook conceived and designed Philadelphia’s original City Flag, the first in the nation, on March 27, 1895, and drove the widespread use of American City Flags, through “constant use and display.” McCook, an esteemed Entomologist, became the Vice President of The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia in1882. At the same time, he served as the Presbyterian Minister at the Philadelphia Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. McCook’s flag design incorporated the 1874 City Seal which included symbols for PEACE, HOPE,JUSTICE and PROSPERITY, plus the inspirational City Motto, which still characterizes our city, “Philadelphia Maneto”, “Let Brotherly Love Continue”.




 




2014
PEACE
2014 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors is pleased to honor you with a 2014 Philadelphia Maneto Award, recognizing your passionate and admirable work as Principal at Strawberry Mansion High School. Your commitment to quality education in Philadelphia, particularly among an underserved youth population, exemplifies your contribution to the values on our flag, Peace, Hope, Justice and Prosperity, and to “Letting Brotherly Love Continue”. Congratulations.


2014
HOPE
2014 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors is delighted to honor you with a 2014 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in recognition of the outstanding work you’ve done over the past decade, and today, as spokesperson for "Wednesday's Child”. Your tireless efforts toward the welfare and happiness of so many foster children in our area, and your positive impact on Philadelphia qualify you as a most deserving recipient of this award, exemplifying the true meaning of “Let Brotherly Love Continue”. Well done.


2014
JUSTICE
2014 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors, in recognition of your remarkable work as organizer of Asian Americans United in Philadelphia, is happy to honor you with a 2014 Philadelphia Maneto Award. Your demonstrated dedication to social justice, safe and peaceful educational environments and overall understanding among our youth have qualified you for this acknowledgement. Excellent work, young man.


2014
PROSPERITY
2014 Maneto Award
Partners For Civic Pride’s [PFCP] Board of Directors is thrilled to honor you with a 2014 Philadelphia Maneto Award, in public recognition of the noble and valuable work you are doing through your organization, "It Takes Philly!" Your unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Philly youth, by providing them with critical exposure to career opportunities, and a brighter future, and absolutely “Letting Brotherly Love Continue” have made you a most worthy recipient. Congratulations!




 




2013
Annette John-Hall
2013 Maneto Award
Through eloquent and passionate coverage of vital social issues facing our beloved city, including education, poverty, racism, and all forms of discrimination, Ms. John-Hall has been a tireless advocate for those who would otherwise have no public voice. As the Metro Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Ms. John-Hall has shared countless stories of those who live our flag’s message, and for these acts of thoughtful reporting, we thank you. The Philadelphia Maneto Award acknowledges that you are truly letting brotherly love continue.




 




2012
Joe Frazier
2012 Maneto Award
Marvis Frazier accepts the 2012 Philadelphia Maneto Award on behalf of his Father Joe Frazer from Partners Board Member Rob Stoller. Awarded at Philadelphia Flag Day March 27, 2012
Smokin' Joe Frazier epitomized the values represented on our flag by the way he lived his life, with dignity and modesty. A fierce warrior inside the ring, who won an Olympic Gold Medal despite fighting with a broken thumb, Joe lived his life peacefully, always willing to help those in need. He even supported his greatest rival, Muhammed Ali, who often berated Joe publicly, when Ali needed financial help and a place to stay. Smokin' Joe's longstanding boxing gym helped countless young people learn the meaning of respect, his number one criteria for gym membership. Joe was a just, charitable "Peoples' Champion", who represented himself, his family, his title and his city with immense pride.