Philmore Phillip II: Striving to make a difference
November 28, 2020
Daily Times Chronicle
David Marony
Philmore Phillip II, a 2009 graduate of Reading Memorial High School and former METCO student, has returned to Reading with a mission to break down invisible barriers hindering equal treatment and acceptance for Black students in the Reading Public Schools and community. Philmore, who initially faced culture shock due to the lack of diversity in Reading, in now actively involved in initiatives to address racial issues. He collaborates with teachers, Kara Gleason and Megan Howie, on researching the history of enslaved people in Reading and expanding the school curriculum to include experiences of Blacks and other minorities. Additionally, he has proposed the creation of CATO - The Coalition of Us, an organization dedicated to supporting people of color in Reading and promoting equity though connections, education, and policy reform.
Philmore’s projects also include a proposal to gather youth for movie viewings, relationship-building, and courageous conversations aimed at fostering racial justice. While this pilot project is temporarily on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, CATO continues its mission to represent and support people of color facing minority issues in Reading. Philmore encourages community involvement and donations to support scholarships and events that raise awareness for Reading residents. His ultimate goal is to bridge the gap toward a more diverse and inclusive society through dialogue, education, and networking, emphasizing the importance of understanding the experiences of minorities in the town and country.
