Philip Pannell Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-170

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 9, 2026

To recognize and honor Philip E. Pannell for his decades of civic leadership, political activism,
and community service in the District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, Philip E. Pannell is a native of Newport News, Virginia;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell pursued higher education at Fordham University and completed
graduate work in political science at Howard University;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell for decades has been involved in political and community
activities at both professional and volunteer levels, demonstrating a sustained commitment to
civic engagement in the District of Columbia;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell’s activism included organizing and participating in major
campaigns, reflecting a lifelong dedication to social justice and democratic participation;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell was selected in 1975 by then-Ward 4 Councilmember
Arrington Dixon to work on the Council’s Government Operations Committee and to establish,
organize, and run the District’s first constituent services office, helping to build a model for
effective constituent engagement and responsive local government;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell has served the District in numerous civic capacities, including
leadership roles in community and neighborhood organizations and service on boards supporting
education and public institutions;

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WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell has received extensive recognition for his service, including
major community service honors and awards acknowledging his contributions to Washington,
D.C.;

WHEREAS, Mr. Pannell became Executive Director of the Anacostia Coordinating
Council in 1995 and has been the only person to serve in that role since the organization’s
inception, dedicating his leadership to strengthening communities east of the Anacostia River;

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Philip E. Pannell Day Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of
2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes Mr. Pannell for nearly 50
years as a District resident and for decades as a community leader, devoting his time and talents
to building stronger neighborhoods, elevating civic participation, and advancing community-
driven solutions that enhance the District of Columbia as a whole; and declares June 28th as
“Philip E. Pannell Day” in the District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.