This Petition is to assure that a street or area in the Town of Darby Pennsylvania is named after one of the communities most effective and helpful public service officials to give jobs charity and unlimited resources, Ethel Smiley. When you speak of Darby and bringing family’s children and seniors together you Speak of Ms. Smiley in the same voice. Being a lifetime member of the NAACP and Tirelessly working towards equality in the Civil Rights era, Ethel Smiley was the spearhead of Darby’s Community when it came to marching for rights for Colored people and she even Marched and sat beside the late great Martin Luther King Jr. Ms Smiley was Firm in her Wuest to make Change in Delaware County and especially in The Borough of Darby. She helped and worked beside many of people along the way. Creating and forging relationships that still stand and last till today. When you picture Ms. Ethel Smiley you picture her Firmness and Ability to get the message across to the people whether it be black or white she had the ability to allow people to see the vision and believe that she’d get the job done. We would love a section of Ridge Ave where she converted a historical area school(ridge avenue) into a Multi Million Dollar Facility that was home to and served the whole community and surrounding communities as well. She Taught Black history and Promoted Education through he facilities but most of all she loved helping families in need. If you didn’t have it she would find a way for many people to make or earn their way but never looking away. Especially around holiday times. Ms Smiley deserves a place in Darby Borough as one of the most passionate, creative and innovative leaders we have ever known.
Updates
January 4, 2022
The growth of this petition shows we have reached the threshold required to command attention from the Borough Council. I am finalizing the formal proposal to rename the Ridge Avenue facility and have scheduled a briefing with local officials to present our case.
27 Comments
A true Pioneer for Civil rights and equality. Darby Borough was blessed to have her as a neighbor friend and activist for all, especially the African American Community.
This is another blessing in history. Though this beautiful woman in honor isn't here to witness how much of a remarkable impact she has left behind to be acknowledge by so many people she has touched and her legacy to be still spoken is Priceless. Thank you for allow me to partake in signing this petition on her behalf.
One of the most kindest Women I’ve ever known.She epitomized strength and love for ppl especially the lost and disenfranchised.She called me her Grandson and consistently displayed what it was to be a strong WOMAN! I’m honored to support this endeavor.
Mrs. Smiley was an integral part of my life as a young teenager. Her wisdom and guidance will never be forgotten.
What I remember about Mrs. Smiley is that she had a passion for helping children firstly and then the rest of the Darby community.
Mrs. Smiley was remarkable and made a huge impact on the community. I wish she was here to see this but I know she is looking down from heaven and smiling
Phenomenal woman
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This Petition is to assure that a street or area in the Town of Darby Pennsylvania is named after one of the communities most effective and helpful public service officials to give jobs charity and unlimited resources, Ethel Smiley. When you speak of Darby and bringing family’s children and seniors together you Speak of Ms. Smiley in the same voice. Being a lifetime member of the NAACP and Tirelessly working towards equality in the Civil Rights era, Ethel Smiley was the spearhead of Darby’s Community when it came to marching for rights for Colored people and she even Marched and sat beside the late great Martin Luther King Jr. Ms Smiley was Firm in her Wuest to make Change in Delaware County and especially in The Borough of Darby. She helped and worked beside many of people along the way. Creating and forging relationships that still stand and last till today. When you picture Ms. Ethel Smiley you picture her Firmness and Ability to get the message across to the people whether it be black or white she had the ability to allow people to see the vision and believe that she’d get the job done. We would love a section of Ridge Ave where she converted a historical area school(ridge avenue) into a Multi Million Dollar Facility that was home to and served the whole community and surrounding communities as well. She Taught Black history and Promoted Education through he facilities but most of all she loved helping families in need. If you didn’t have it she would find a way for many people to make or earn their way but never looking away. Especially around holiday times. Ms Smiley deserves a place in Darby Borough as one of the most passionate, creative and innovative leaders we have ever known.
Updates
January 4, 2022
The growth of this petition shows we have reached the threshold required to command attention from the Borough Council. I am finalizing the formal proposal to rename the Ridge Avenue facility and have scheduled a briefing with local officials to present our case.
27 Comments
Ethel Smiley was a mover, a shaker and a healer. There was no project she was timid to get involved with. She worked with persons of all colors and creeds. She fed us, clothed us and took exceptional care of us. In times of strife (which there were many) she brought people together. she healed broken hearts and calmed the angry. When Octavis Long was hung in our jail cell, and the community was outraged, she opened the doors of the Freedom House and let the people come in. She let us get our frustrations out. She cried with us, calmed us and let us display our voices. She rose up with us. She brought in Mr. Frank Tyler from the Department of Justice to assist us. There will NEVER be another Ethel Smiley. God rest her soul.
A true Pioneer for Civil rights and equality. Darby Borough was blessed to have her as a neighbor friend and activist for all, especially the African American Community.
This is another blessing in history. Though this beautiful woman in honor isn't here to witness how much of a remarkable impact she has left behind to be acknowledge by so many people she has touched and her legacy to be still spoken is Priceless. Thank you for allow me to partake in signing this petition on her behalf.
One of the most kindest Women I’ve ever known.She epitomized strength and love for ppl especially the lost and disenfranchised.She called me her Grandson and consistently displayed what it was to be a strong WOMAN! I’m honored to support this endeavor.
Mrs. Smiley was an integral part of my life as a young teenager. Her wisdom and guidance will never be forgotten.
What I remember about Mrs. Smiley is that she had a passion for helping children firstly and then the rest of the Darby community.
Mrs. Smiley was remarkable and made a huge impact on the community. I wish she was here to see this but I know she is looking down from heaven and smiling
Phenomenal woman
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Ethel Smiley was a mover, a shaker and a healer. There was no project she was timid to get involved with. She worked with persons of all colors and creeds. She fed us, clothed us and took exceptional care of us. In times of strife (which there were many) she brought people together. she healed broken hearts and calmed the angry. When Octavis Long was hung in our jail cell, and the community was outraged, she opened the doors of the Freedom House and let the people come in. She let us get our frustrations out. She cried with us, calmed us and let us display our voices. She rose up with us. She brought in Mr. Frank Tyler from the Department of Justice to assist us. There will NEVER be another Ethel Smiley. God rest her soul.