Kenneth Gamble, Grammy winner, local philanthropist, and co-creator of the “Sound of Philadelphia” will receive this year’s Star Alumnus Award from The Philadelphia Education Fund.
He will receive his award at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Edmund D. Bossone Research Enterprise Center at Drexel University, 31st and Market streets.
Gamble, a South Philadelphia native and a graduate of West Philadelphia High School, is widely known for having written, produced, recorded and published more than 3,000 songs performed by artists such as The Jackson Five, Teddy Pendergrass, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls, and many others. He is well-known for his public service.
“The EDDY Awards honor the individuals, businesses and organizations that represent the region’s educational success stories,” said Carol Fixman, executive director of the Ed Fund.
As founder and Chairman of Universal Companies, Gamble has used his success to begin a neighborhood revitalization effort in South Philadelphia, which includes an emphasis on improving education. Universal currently operates Philadelphia’s Universal Institute Charter School and manages E.M. Stanton Elementary School and Vare Middle School for the School District of Philadelphia.
“Education is not a quick fix,” Gamble said. “It’s a nurturing process that takes many, many forms.”
Gamble was also Chairman and Founder of Clean Up The Ghetto, a nonprofit organization employing youth in cities throughout the nation. Other community organizations he has founded, developed, or assisted include The African American Foundation, The Universal Community of Truth and the South Philadelphia Ministries Task Force.
“Education is the key to our future. When you know better, you do better,” Gamble said.
In addition, the 2010 Star Commitment to Education EDDY will go to two Philadelphia civic leaders: Helen Cunningham and A. Morris Williams Jr. The 2010 Rising Star EDDY Award will go to Mohamed Kakay. The 2010 Star Business EDDY Award will be presented to Citi, a leading global financial services company. The Ed Fund will present the 2010 Star Community Commitment to Education EDDY Award to the Free Library of Philadelphia.
The 2010 Stars of Public Education join a distinguished group of prior recipients including Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Acel Moore (2009); astronaut Guion S. Bluford (2008); School District of Philadelphia superintendent, teacher, and alumna Constance Clayton (2008); Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter/poet/actress Jill Scott (2006); and Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell (2007) among others.