ABOVE PHOTO: The late former Congressman William H. Gray III
Congressman Dwight Evans (D-3rd Dist.) released the following statement:
“This week, as we mark the sixth anniversary of former Congressman Bill Gray’s passing, it is a pleasure to note that Amtrak has begun to implement the congressionally mandated name change at 30th Street Station in Gray’s honor. Philadelphians and visitors to our city will notice that the large, iconic silver signs outside the station on 29th Street and 30th Street are getting a makeover and both will bear the new name: William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
Though details will come together, to be determined by the end of this month, July 31, Amtrak will make space also for a representation of Bill Gray with a statue and memorial plaque capturing his legacy. Those who visit and work at Gray 30th Street Station will have the opportunity to remember, or learn for the first time, the gift of Gray’s service to our city, our nation and the world. I look forward to seeing the memorial to Gray’s service to his Bright Hope Baptist Church family and the North Philadelphia community, the barriers he broke for African Americans in the U.S. Congress; his fights for funding Amtrak; his immense contribution to ending Apartheid in South Africa; and so much more.
Gray 30th Station will be a memorial to a great man, and it will symbolize the ethic of using one’s personal station and power for good, as he always did. No matter where we find ourselves, we may help another, and indeed, that is our duty.
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