Melvin Metelits
Melvin Metelits was born in West Philadelphia, at 52nd and Jefferson Street, in 1933. He became interested in left wing politics after high school, and was part of the Communist Party USA from 1963 until 1991. He studied education at Temple, graduating in 1954. He has since then taught in Philadelphia and the US Virgin Islands. Melvin has also done extensive research on African presence in Mexico and speaks Spanish fluently.
Melvin considers some of his greatest contributions to society as an active member of the Communist Party to be protesting the Vietnam war from a soapbox and in protests, working to certify about four hundred “permanent part time” teachers, so that they could be paid a teacher's salary and receive benefits, and organizing busloads of Philadelphians to go to Washington to fight for civil rights with Martin Luther King, Jr..
After leaving the Communist Party, Melvin has kept social justice close to his heart, and has connected to his Jewish roots, becoming a certified Maggid, or folk-storyteller. Despite having only one vocal chord, Melvin has many people who are inspired by his words. Melvin lives in a housing co-op in Mount Airy with his wife, Maria, and his mother in law.[1]
Communist Party USA
On June 1, 1975, Melvin Metelits was elected as a member of the District Committee of the Pennsylvania Communist Party at the Party's District Convention.[2]
Debbie Bell memorial
On March 18 2018, a memorial was held at the Unitarian Society of Germantown for labor and community leader Debbie Amis Bell, who passed one year ago.
Bell was a founder of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a leader of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and of its parent union, the American Federation of Teachers. She was well-known and respected in labor circles here in Philadelphia and beyond. She was a National Committee member of the Communist Party USA and a leader in the party’s Philadelphia District organization.
The memorial keynote address was delivered by Jarvis Tyner, head of the New York State Committee of the CPUSA and National Committee member. Other speakers included Melvin Metelits, who at one time served with Debbie on the PFT’s executive board, and Rosita Johnson, a fellow teacher, progressive caucus member, and political activist.
Ron Whitehorne, long-time chair of the Philadelphia Coalition Advocating for Public Schools, led the 100-plus crowd in singing historic labor songs.
A surprise appearance was made by Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who recalled days of street activism alongside Bell and other left activists in Germantown. Councilwoman Bass presented the family with a certificate from City Council recognizing Bell’s longstanding contributions to justice.[3]
References
- ↑ Metelits bio, communityarts
- ↑ New District Leadership -- Elected at District Convention, June 1, 1975, Sandy Patrinos Files, Box 1, Tamiment Library, Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives, New York University
- ↑ PW Family, friends, and comrades remember Debbie Bell in Philadelphia April 6, 2018 9:42 AM CDT BY MYKE SIMONIAN