Fund set up for Booker T. gym

A special fund has been set up at Philadelphia City Hall with all proceeds  going to improvements at the Booker T. Washington gym.

The Rev. Johnny Beckwith, a longtime supporter of the Booker T. Washington renovation project, presented the city with $17,160 at the June 6  meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Aldermen voted 4-0 to accept the donation and set up a separate account for accepting more funds.

“I think it is awesome what has been done,” Beckwith said. “Booker T. showed that the board was finally ready to be fair to all the citizens, the way I see it. Things are now being done on this side of town. We used to have baseball and a swimming pool but that went away. Now we have Booker T. and that’s something.

“But there is more to do. We need air conditioning. We need to put electricity in part of the building so we can use the building year around and set up tutoring classes during summer. That’s why we have started this fund raiser.”

At first, the money was to be directed at putting air conditioning in the building. But Beckwith said the funds could be used for any improvements at the gym.

“If they can’t get air conditioning, just as long as it goes to the Booker T. gym,” Beckwith said. “People from North Carolina to Philadelphia have donated so far. We have a poster at City Hall and at the Courthouse that lists our contributors. We will update it as more contributions come in.”

Anyone interested in donating to the Booker T cause can do so at City Hall or by calling Beckwith at (601) 416-4450 to make arrangements.