PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For 49 years, Cecil Hankins has been a part of the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia. He’s a well-known community activist who’s been a block captain for more than three decades.
Hankins serves on the Logan Civic Association, making sure residential and commercial properties obtain proper zoning procedures. He’s never been one to stay quiet when things need to get done.
“Growing up in the Jim Crow South, my grandmother raised me, and our home became the social service provider home,” he recalled. “Everybody who had problems in the neighborhood migrated to our home, and my grandmother served that purpose.”
In fact, his grandmother worked with Shirley Chisholm — the first Black woman elected to Congress — and would take Hankins with her to the campaign office. That’s where he was introduced to civics.
“We need to take responsibility for expressing our voices and have input in what we think is best for us,” he said. “I believe that the people themselves are the best people to find solutions and to help others that we elect in office, and also administration, to give the kind of services that we need.”
Quality of life matters to Hankins. He works closely with the Philadelphia Street Department regarding illegal dumping sites across the city, and he was instrumental in calling attention to the crumbling Barrett Recreation Center, convincing then-Mayor Jim Kenney to add it to the city’s Rebuild program.
“As a result of that effort, we now have Barrett Recreation Center being rebuilt at a tune of $20 million, the first major social-type development in Logan in about 60 years,” Hankins enthused.
Along with staying on top of the needs of his community, Hankins mentors young men of color. He said he simply leads by example.
“I never really see myself as a role model. I just want people, young people, to understand who they are and that they can do the best, they can be the best — better than me.”
The 76-year-old retired behavioral health specialist said he will continue to fight for the quality of life in his neighborhood and impart his wisdom and life lessons on the young men who look up to him.
“I feel as a Black male … it’s important for me to let young men know in my community that I love them, care about them, and accept them for who they are, but I want them to be better, and that’s always been my intention for them.”
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. View the 2026 honorees here.