PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A chef known for his popular South Street soul food restaurant will be honored in Philadelphia.
Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson was close with chef KeVen Parker and knew firsthand of his philanthropy and advocacy for Black and LGBTQ communities in Philadelphia.
So when he proposed a resolution to ceremoniously rename the block where his famous Ms. Tootsie's restaurant stands, it passed unanimously in City Council.
"We'll be naming the 1300 block of South Street after KeVen Parker, honoring his life and legacy,” Johnson said.
Parker died last month, but Johnson said the street renaming, which will happen when it's safe to do so, is a way to make sure this beloved Philly chef in not forgotten.
"We want for all the young people and people who visit South Street and people who come from out of town that when they look up at that sign and they see 'KeVen Parker Way,' they begin to inquire, 'Who is KeVen Parker?' 'What was this young man about?' and that also will go towards carrying on his life and his legacy,” Johnson added.