Councilmen Jones and Goode honored for support of arts education

Councilmen Curtis Jones Jr. and W. Wilson Goode Jr. were given superhero capes during city council for their support of education and arts in the schools, last Thursday. 

The event was hosted by a group of arts and education supporters including ArtsRising, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s GroundSwell Movement and the Public Citizens for Children and Youth Coalition. 

During the event, the councilmen experienced first hand exmples of the importance of arts in schools with several presentations including musical selections, poetry readings and a short movie depicting what could happen if funding isn’t granted.

They also were given letters from public school students and community members expressing the importance of  music and arts in the schools as well as a DVD made by students at Lewis C. Cassidy Academics Plus School. Jones was also given a large print calendar of the “Faces and Places of Overbrook” by Overbook Elementary students. 

Councilman Jones said he was impressed by the level of activism and the different voices that were raised over the debate of the many issues that the school district is facing. He was also inspired by the bravery and courage of the parents, students, teachers, administrators, school nurses and others who have supported the school district and their neighborhood schools. 

“I appreciate receiving the cape and being recognized as a hero, but believe that the parents, activists and students are the real heroes,” said Jones. 

According to a press release, he was caped for voting for full funding for public schools as well as his role in getting fellow council members involved to take action to save arts education in schools. 

He represents the fourth district that includes sections of Overbrook, Manayunk, East Falls and Roxborough. 

“I appreciate this honor for what I believe to be simply doing my job,” said Councilman Goode. 

Goode was caped for his support of a proposal to increase the Use and Occupancy Tax. It is expected to generate between $32 million and $72 million with most of it going towards public education.