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Mamie Nichols loved displaying civic pride and Saturday residents of the Point Breeze community honored her memory at the first annual Community Appreciation Day.
July 1, Nichols succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 91, having lived the last 54 years on the 1800 block of Reed Street. She constantly sought to improve her community and Philadelphia at large, serving on many commissions and boards, including the City Planning Commission and the Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition.
Her passing inspired state Rep. Kenyatta Johnson to dedicate the day to her memory.
"Mamie Nichols was a pioneer," Johnson, a native of Point Breeze, said. "She and I spoke last year when I was campaigning for office and she stressed the need for unity, quality education and economic development for this area."
Saturday her vision became a reality. Beginning at noon and stretching from the intersection of Point Breeze Avenue and Dickinson Street through the avenue and Tasker Street, during its eight hours the event fostered the communal aspect the Mamie Nichols Center seeks to kindle.
On this day, one might have found it difficult to believe violence and poverty have often haunted the community. About 1,000 participants munched on traditional summer fare, with the lines for cotton candy and pizza being the most popular. Vendors hawked items ranging from African-made garments and Barack Obama collectibles to Negro Baseball League hats and Michael Jackson memorabilia. The latter items fared well, as dozens snatched up items bearing the King of Pop’s — who would’ve turned 51 Saturday — image.
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Edward Jackson, of the 1900 block of Hemberger Street, noted how it’s always good to have an event that focuses on the positives. He said the day was a treat for all ages, as budding fireballers were seeking to sink their friends in the popular dunk tank.
"These kids are having a great time. They’re seeing what normal life is like," Jackson said.
Members of the South Philly Old Heads Association shared his sentiments. Ed Miller, of the 2100 block of Mountain Street, oversees fundraising for the group — whose name derives from the fact its 10 members are all at least 60. Miller and his colleagues distributed 300 bookbags to eager youngsters for the new school year.
"This is our fourth year and we love seeing their reactions," Miller, who shared in the admiration of Nichols, but was regretful they never had a chance to meet, said.
Johnson conceived of the festivities prior to Nichols’ death, but he quickly decided to pay homage to the tireless activist.
"Mrs. Nichols knew of the seriousness involved in improving a community. She was always willing to be stubborn if being stubborn meant that more people would listen to her and change," Johnson said.
As the neighborhood’s largest human services agency, Diversified Community Services aims to enable children and families to realize their full potential. Assisting more than 8,000 per year, the organization offers after-school enrichment programs, parenting classes, assistance for teen dropouts and free tax preparation, among other services.
The Nichols Center, 1529 S. 22nd St., opened in September 2007 as the DCS Social Service Center. It received its current name a year ago, much to Nichols’ surprise. It specializes in youth services and employment, paramount parts of the activists’ plan to rejuvenate Point Breeze.
Violet Lawson does not have to ponder what a meeting with Nichols might have been like. One of 35 volunteers working for Johnson, she grew up at 18th and Wharton and was a playmate of Nichols’ six children.
"My mother’s name was also Violet, so Mamie’s kids would call me ‘VeVe’ or ‘V’ to distinguish us," Lawson said. "Because of them, it wasn’t until I started school that I had to respond to my full name. I have lived in South Philly my whole life and Mamie’s name circulates all the time."
Today, she works with South Philadelphia High School students on conflict resolution and sees Nichols’ life as an inspiration.
"South Philadelphia High School is classified as ‘a school in danger,’ and I’m excited to try to convince those children and the ones here that they can make a change," Lawson said. "I am doing what I do to make a difference, even if it’s small. Mamie’s memory gives me the drive to make my earthly calling a commitment to a positive reality."
Kismet Henderson, Lawson’s daughter, delighted the crowd with her renditions of jazz standards while dozens of children lined up to have their faces painted.
"Mamie would have enjoyed today," Lavinia Walker, formerly of the 1500 block of South Lambert Street, said. "She was fond of saying that this world is for strong people, and she wanted us to feel strong in all walks of life. We are making a big fuss of her today, and she deserves it."
Johnson anticipates it being the first of may more celebrations to come.
"We will definitely have another celebration this time next year. Community will always be a part of my platform," he said.
Lawson said the Point Breeze community is Nichols’ legacy.
"I always say if I can be as good as Mamie, I will have succeeded. She was such a beautiful woman," Lawson said.
