Title
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas Way Proposed Ceremonial Signage
Description
Request City Council approval of a ceremonial sign recognizing Bishop Alexis A. Thomas at the intersection of 14th Street and Jefferson Street. There will be no financial impact to the City of Phoenix.
Report
Summary
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas was the leader of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church located on the corner of 14th Street and Jefferson Street. Bishop Thomas received his license to preach at the age of seven and was appointed the senior pastor at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at the age of 16. During his tenure, Bishop Thomas grew the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church congregation from approximately 200 to more than 4,000 members.
Bishop Thomas was also an active civil rights leader in Arizona for decades and the General Chairman of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition, which he founded in 2001. He was also the co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix. As a leader of civil rights in the City of Phoenix, Thomas' influence was felt well beyond the church walls.
Bishop Thomas passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2018.
The blue ceremonial sign will be placed on the mast arm of the traffic signal pole on the southeast corner of 14th Street and Jefferson Street.
Financial Impact
The fabrication and installation costs of this sign will be funded by Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. There will be no financial impact to the City of Phoenix.
Location
14th Street and Jefferson Street
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is recommended by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Street Transportation Department.