Thomas Milton Street Sr., a prominent figure in Philadelphia known for his relentless activism against poverty and homelessness and his subsequent service in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, passed away on Monday at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His death marks the end of an era for a politician who was often described as “larger than life” and whose career was characterized by both controversy and unwavering dedication to the marginalized.
The news of Mr. Street’s passing was confirmed by his nephew, State Senator Sharif Street, who reflected on his uncle’s unique approach to public service. According to Senator Street, Milton Street possessed a rare ability to “visualize ways government could work for everyday folks by enacting change through policy regardless of political affiliation.” This vision was coupled with a fierce determination to fight for his beliefs, sometimes literally, yet he was also known for his capacity to reconcile with those who opposed him.
“He fought with everybody at some point in time, but he could also get over it,” his nephew remarked, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of Milton Street’s personality and political style.
Born in 1939, Milton Street’s formative years were spent on a 110-acre farm near Swedeland in Montgomery County, alongside his two brothers. Raised in a strict Seventh-day Adventist household, the church played a significant role in their early life, bringing the family to Philadelphia for services. Ironically, Mr. Street’s first foray into activism was against this very institution, protesting the church’s discriminatory practices concerning gender and hiring, as recounted by his nephew.
As the middle child, Milton Street was known for his larger-than-life personality, a trait that would later define his public persona. He developed a penchant for political spectacle, and his passionate advocacy for issues such as affordable housing frequently captured headlines. During the late 1970s, his confrontational style led to multiple ejections from City Council meetings as he consistently clashed with then-Mayor Frank Rizzo, a figure known for his tough stance and no-nonsense approach.
Milton Street and his younger brother John, who would later serve two terms as Philadelphia’s mayor from 2000 to 2008, began their entrepreneurial journey as food vendors at Temple University. Linn Washington, a journalism professor and veteran reporter who covered Milton Street’s career for the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Tribune, recalled their humble beginnings selling cheesesteaks for a dollar and soda for a quarter. Their early business experience soon translated into activism as they sued the city, alleging racial bias in the implementation of street vending policies and demanding equitable treatment for vendors like themselves.
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A staunch advocate for affordable housing and urban revitalization that prioritized existing residents, Milton Street became a champion for the homeless. He famously urged homeless individuals to occupy abandoned homes, directly confronting city and federal agencies that attempted to evict them. This direct action approach was characteristic of his style. In 1979, Milton Street, then a Pennsylvania state representative, was arrested alongside other protestors for publicly denouncing the city’s planned allocation of $64 million in federal community development funds. He feared these funds would displace long-term residents in favor of developers and investors, a concern that resonated deeply with many Philadelphians.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, emphasized Milton Street’s strategic use of media attention. “Milton knew how important it was to grab the attention of the media to make sure he could spread the debate broadly enough and deeply enough,” she stated, highlighting his understanding of public communication and its role in advancing his causes. Whether addressing city-wide issues or hyperlocal problems, Milton Street consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his constituents and their needs.
Reflecting on Milton Street’s political views, Washington observed that some of his positions were remarkably “ahead of his time.” He noted, “Milton wanted to legalize marijuana in the ‘80s and not because he was a pothead, but he wanted to lower property taxes and use the money for public education.” This forward-thinking approach, even on controversial issues, underscored his unconventional political thinking.
Despite his passionate advocacy and strong convictions, Milton Street’s political career was far from smooth. He won only two of his campaigns, facing electoral setbacks and political challenges throughout his career. A significant turning point, and arguably a misstep, was his decision to switch to the Republican Party in 1980. This move, intended to gain more influence by giving the GOP control of the state Senate, ultimately led to his electoral defeat and a period in the political wilderness.
Judith Robinson, a Democratic committee person in the 32nd Ward, near Milton Street’s former residence near 19th and Diamond Streets, acknowledged his ability to work across the aisle. “He was a smart politician and was willing to negotiate with people on both sides of the aisle,” Robinson said. “That was a rarity among African American politicians at the time.” However, she also concurred that the party switch proved to be his “downfall,” alienating many of his original supporters.
For the subsequent 35 years, Milton Street remained a fixture in Philadelphia politics, persistently seeking public office as a Democrat, Republican, and independent. His determination was evident even in the face of legal troubles. In 2007, he launched a campaign for City Council while under federal indictment for tax evasion related to $3 million in income from a baggage-handling contract at Philadelphia International Airport. The company, ironically named “Notlim” (Milton spelled backward), had been awarded the contract during his brother John Street’s mayoral tenure, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Milton Street ultimately served 26 months in prison for failing to file federal tax returns for three years. This conviction, however, did not deter his political ambitions or diminish his public profile.
Throughout his often tumultuous career, Milton Street consistently proposed policies that ranged from populist to eccentric. He advocated for hiring 5,000 “neighborhood activists” to clean and secure streets, a plan reflecting his focus on community-level solutions. In a more unusual proposal in 2015, he suggested the city erect a large net to capture meteorites for profit, showcasing his unconventional and often attention-grabbing ideas.
Demonstrating his desire to understand contemporary issues firsthand, Milton Street even became an Uber driver as politicians debated the legalization of ridesharing services. He used this experience to gain insights into the gig economy and the perspectives of drivers and riders alike.
His political allegiances remained fluid and unpredictable. In December 2015, Milton Street met with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and initially expressed enthusiastic support for his campaign. However, this affection proved short-lived. By 2019, his opinion had dramatically shifted, famously declaring he would “rather remove a mosquito from my testicles with an ax” than support Trump’s reelection bid, a vivid illustration of his capacity for strong and colorful pronouncements.
Milton Street’s final attempt to run for office occurred in 2020. Serving as a Republican ward leader, he initially planned to run as an independent in the mayoral race but ultimately did not file the necessary nomination petitions. In a January 2020 interview, Milton Street revealed his diagnosis of prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones. He acknowledged that his political career was over, but remained engaged in public life, crediting cancer treatment for his continued activity. He expressed optimism, stating, “I’m starting to feel like I might be able to live another 80 years.”
Following his death, numerous area officials issued statements lauding Milton Street’s dedication and impact. The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus recognized him as an entrepreneur who championed businesses like his own and described him as “a mentor and as a friend to many.” City Council President Darrell L. Clarke shared a personal anecdote, recalling how Milton Street invited him to community meetings on what is now Cecil B. Moore Avenue, stating, “Milton Street spoke truth to power — forcefully — and he was never afraid to confront an injustice, whenever and wherever he found it. I learned a lot from him.”
Milton Street was predeceased by his three wives and is survived by his three children, his younger brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing and funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, December 15th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, December 16th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia, providing an opportunity for the community to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to fighting for the people of Philadelphia.
Image: Milton Street Sr., a lifelong Philadelphia activist and politician, is remembered for his passionate advocacy for the city’s underserved communities.
