Thomas Milton Street Sr., a prominent figure in Philadelphia known for his relentless activism against poverty and homelessness, and later for his service in the Pennsylvania legislature, passed away on Monday at the age of 83 after a prolonged battle with cancer. His nephew, State Senator Sharif Street, confirmed the death of this impactful, often controversial, politician, describing him as a visionary who “visualized ways government could work for everyday folks by enacting change through policy regardless of political affiliation.” Street’s unwavering commitment sometimes led to conflict, yet he was always open to reconciliation, embodying a complex and compelling political spirit.
“He fought with everybody at some point in time, but he could also get over it,” remarked Senator Sharif Street, highlighting the paradoxical nature of his uncle’s personality.
Born in 1939, Milton Street’s roots were in Montgomery County, raised on a 110-acre farm near Swedeland with his two brothers. Growing up in a strict Seventh-day Adventist household, his initial foray into protest was surprisingly against his own church, advocating for gender equality and fair hiring practices, as recalled by his nephew.
As the middle brother, Milton possessed a larger-than-life personality and a flair for dramatic political action. His passionate advocacy for affordable housing and similar causes frequently captured public attention, leading to numerous confrontations, including being ejected from City Council meetings in the late 1970s. He became a persistent thorn in the side of then-Mayor Frank Rizzo, challenging the status quo and demanding action for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Milton Street’s journey into entrepreneurship and activism began with a humble food vending business at Temple University, alongside his younger brother John, who later served as Philadelphia’s mayor. According to Linn Washington, a journalism professor, the Street brothers were known for selling affordable cheesesteaks and sodas, and importantly, for challenging discriminatory vending policies through legal action, fighting for equitable treatment for street vendors in the city.
A staunch advocate for affordable housing and inclusive urban development, Milton Street was determined to revitalize Philadelphia without displacing its low-income communities. He famously encouraged homeless individuals to occupy abandoned properties, directly confronting city and federal authorities who attempted to evict them. In a significant act of protest in 1979, while serving as a Pennsylvania state representative, Street was arrested alongside other demonstrators for protesting the city’s allocation of $64 million in federal community development funds, fearing it would benefit developers at the expense of long-term residents.
Image alt text: Milton Street, a passionate advocate for affordable housing, leading a protest in Philadelphia, highlighting his dedication to social justice and the rights of the city’s underprivileged residents.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition, noted Street’s strategic use of media attention, stating, “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.” Whether addressing city-wide issues or local concerns, Milton Street was known for his unwavering and comprehensive approach.
Reflecting on his political stances, Linn Washington observed that some of Milton Street’s ideas were remarkably “ahead of his time.” Washington recalled, “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,” illustrating his innovative, if sometimes unconventional, policy thinking.
Despite his political acumen and dedication, Milton Street’s political career was marked by challenges. He won only two campaigns and faced a significant setback when he switched to the Republican Party in 1980, a move intended to gain influence but which ultimately led to his ousting from the state Senate. Judith Robinson, a Democratic committee person, acknowledged his ability to work across party lines, a rare trait for African American politicians of that era, stating, “He was a smart politician and was willing to negotiate with people on both sides of the aisle… That was a rarity among African American politicians at the time.” However, she also believed that the party switch was detrimental to his political career.
For the next 35 years, Milton Street remained a persistent figure in the political landscape, running for office as a Democrat, Republican, and independent. This included a notable 2007 City Council campaign launched while he was under federal indictment for tax evasion related to a baggage-handling contract at Philadelphia International Airport, awarded to his company “Notlim” (Milton spelled backward) during his brother John Street’s mayoral tenure. Ultimately, Milton Street served 26 months in prison for failing to file federal tax returns for three years.
Image alt text: Milton Street passionately addressing a crowd at a Philadelphia public event, showcasing his dynamic speaking style and commitment to engaging with the community on important issues.
Throughout his public life, Street proposed a range of policies, from populist to eccentric. He famously suggested hiring 5,000 neighborhood activists to enhance street safety and cleanliness and, in a more unusual proposition in 2015, claimed the city could profit by erecting a large net to capture meteorites for sale. Demonstrating his willingness to understand contemporary issues firsthand, he even became an Uber driver during debates about ridesharing legalization to gain practical insights.
His political affiliations remained fluid. He initially supported Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2015 but later vehemently withdrew his support. In 2020, despite battling cancer, Street made a final attempt to run for mayor as an independent, although he ultimately did not file his nomination papers. In an interview in January 2020, he disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis, which had spread, marking a poignant moment as he acknowledged the end of his political aspirations. Yet, even then, he remained engaged, seeking to inspire young people and contacting Tom Steyer’s presidential campaign with characteristic zeal. “I’m starting to feel like I might be able to live another 80 years,” he optimistically stated at the time.
Following his passing, numerous officials and organizations lauded Milton Street’s dedication. The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus recognized him as an entrepreneur and advocate for businesses, and as “a mentor and as a friend to many.” City Council President Darrell L. Clarke shared a personal anecdote of being inspired by Street’s forceful advocacy for justice and community empowerment after attending his community meetings. “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,” Clarke affirmed.
Milton Street was predeceased by his three wives and is survived by his three children, his brother John Street, and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing and funeral services are scheduled for December 15th and 16th at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia, providing an opportunity for the community to remember and celebrate the life of this impactful figure in Philadelphia’s history.
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