Honoring and recognizing Distinguished Young Gentlemen for its mentorship and youth development work empowering Philadelphia's elementary school-aged boys through etiquette, character-building, and leadership development, as part of the Children & Youth Spotlight, which celebrates community-centered organizations uplifting young people across the City.

Honoring and recognizing Distinguished Young Gentlemen for its mentorship and youth development work empowering Philadelphia’s elementary school-aged boys through etiquette, character-building, and leadership development, as part of the Children & Youth Spotlight, which celebrates community-centered organizations uplifting young people across the City. WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes that the long-term success of our City depends on ensuring that young people, especially those facing systemic barriers have access to positive mentorship, positive role models, and the life skills needed to thrive in school and beyond; and WHEREAS, Distinguished Young Gentlemen is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit initiative that empowers African American boys in elementary school by cultivating confidence, character, and leadership through etiquette, social skills training and structured mentorship that supports their academic, professional, and personal growth; and WHEREAS, The organization was founded by Dwayne E. Frazier an educator, a mentor, and retired Philadelphia Fire Department veteran who created the program to help boys embody integrity, respect, and excellence while equipping them with the interpersonal tools needed to navigate diverse environments and break cycles of poverty and inequity; and WHEREAS, Distinguished Young Gentlemen facilitates a weekly after-school program at Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus School in Overbrook, offering consistent guidance, …