Philadelphia Independence Day Parade Embraces Homegrown-Icon and Landmark Decision

PHILADELPHIA, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year's Wawa Welcome America, Inc. Independence Day Parade will honor the 60th Anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown vs. the Board of Education to desegregate schools in America. Highlighting this momentous occasion will be the Lights - Camera - Action Float. At the float's "center piece" will be the sparkle of Educator LaDeva M. Davis, Dance Director at the Philadelphia High School For The Creative And Performing Arts and friend of WordOut! Awareness Foundation. A 49-year committed professional, Ms. Davis remains loyal to the Public School System and dedicated to the students of Philadelphia.

The parade will step off at 11:00am from 5th & Chestnut; proceed to 9th, then travel over 9th to Market Street, down Market to Front, ending at Front and Chestnut Streets.  Ms. Davis will be surrounded by a bevy of current and former students along with an array of CAPA Dancers on and off the float. The parade's reigning Miss Philadelphia, Diamond Edmonds is a former dance student of Ms. Davis and a Philadelphia school teacher. "I want to see all of my former students out there from Bartlett, Swat and CAPA...that would be just great," voiced an excited LaDeva. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Ms. Davis is a glowing product and shining example of the Philadelphia Public School system. Launching her prolific teaching career in 1965, she continues to inspire, motivate and enthusiastically educate Philadelphia students. CAPA students attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country. CAPA graduate Tamika Patton, recording artist and star of the off-broadway show "Sing Mahailia Sing" will perform from the float.  

A true "renaissance woman," Ms. Davis is a master Kung Fu practitioner and multiple trophy winner.  A Swarthmore College faculty member since 1991, Davis has choreographed CAPA Dancers for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1993. Her likeness appears in the Smithsonian Institute's exhibit FOOD: Transforming The American Table/1950 to 2000, along side renowned television chefs Julia Childs, Graham Kerr and Sam Beard. The 2012 recipient of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguish Teacher of the Year has also co-produced a Grammy Nominated CD and possesses "mad" Deep Sea fishing skills. LaDeva M. Davis has been and continues to be a "force for education" in the City of Philadelphia.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140609/116153

SOURCE Word-OUT! Awareness Foundation