James T. Whitaker, Sr. (1931-2018) loved Philadelphia. He loved his family. He loved sports. And he loved his community of Point Breeze, where he lived for over sixty years. In order to honor him, Mr. Whitaker’s family has partnered with the Make the World Better Foundation, a community organization founded by former Philadelphia Eagles player Connor Barwin, to create the James T. Whitaker, Sr. Fund, which will support a project at Ralph Brooks Park and the community garden on his block.
Make The World Better (MTWB) works to connect people and inspire stewardship through public space revitalization projects. Ralph Brooks Park was MTWB's first collaborative project that included renovations to the basketball court and tot lot, new rain gardens and subsurface stormwater infrastructure, and a community garden now maintained by a dedicated group of Point Breeze residents.
Mr. Whitaker’s deep love for his Point Breeze neighborhood was clear. There are few longtime residents who don’t know him personally. If they’re younger than 60, they call him “Dad.” If they’re younger than 40, they call him “Grandpa.” In recent years, if you approached him and called him Mr. Whitaker, he would quickly invite you: “Call me Grandpa.” We know that he would be delighted to see that his family and his community are working to support the neighborhood in his honor. Grandpa made the world a better place. With the Make the World Better Foundation, we are continuing his legacy.
