The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING KEVEN PARKER
______
HON. DWIGHT EVANS
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated gentleman from Philadelphia, Keven Parker, a well-known restaurant owner and community advocate whose recent passing on January 15, 2021 has left a void in the minds and hearts of the citizens of Philadelphia.
Keven Parker was an incredible restaurateur and entrepreneur and his loss will be felt in the city of Philadelphia for years to come. He followed his mother's mission of feeding people delicious meals with restaurants on South Street, in Reading Terminal Market and operating a catering business.
Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe is a household name dedicated for his mother and her famous penchant for Tootsie's Rolls. Keven as a young child would observe and help his mother Joyce, as she would teach him the details and nuances of producing extraordinary satisfying Soul Food.
Keven was a hard working and self-made shining star entrepreneur and was one of contemporary Philadelphia's great personalities and a true visionary. He came from humble origins but strong roots. Parker grew up in West Philadelphia and became a successful businessman, overseeing six distinct entities.
Keven Parker's restaurants were well regarded and were frequented by such people as President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith and a host of others. His groundbreaking establishment Ms. Tootsie's on South Street was named the best Southern-Style restaurant for three years running in Black Enterprise magazine and was featured on food TV shows. The Food Network's Robert Irvine raved about his fried chicken on The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
Furthermore, Parker was committed to giving back to his community exemplified by hiring 55 individuals in his employ. The Keven Parker Company community outreach includes the Youth Adult Division, giving young men and women the opportunity to work for a progressive and upwardly mobile company while gaining valuable skills in an entrepreneurial and success-driven environment.
Keven Parker dedicated his life to uplifting and improving the lives of others. He was a model citizen. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Keven Parker for his dedicated support and service to the City of Philadelphia and we mourn with his family and friends.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 17
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