By Anne Levin

In an effort led by Princeton Councilman Leighton Newlin, the governing body is planning to pay tribute to Thomas Alfred “Tommy” Parker with a proclamation at its meeting on March 10. Also planned in honor of the longtime Princeton resident is the declaration of March 19 — Parker’s 73rd birthday — as Tommy Parker Day.

Known for his work on civil rights, his management and mentoring of Princeton’s American Legion Post 218 baseball team, his leadership of the Princeton Democratic Municipal Committee and the Princeton Community Democratic Organization, and his years as president of Princeton’s Service Employees International Union Local 175 while employed by Princeton University, among other distinctions, Parker has been devoted to community service throughout his life.

In recent years, Parker has suffered two strokes and the loss of his oldest son, Tuumaa. He lives on Leigh Avenue, in the Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood where he grew up, with his wife, Joanne.

“He is home on Leigh Avenue being cared for by family, friends, and caretakers,” said Newlin, who has known Parker all his life. In addition to his own memories, he solicited those of others while preparing the proclamation in Parker’s honor.

“He coached little kids and built community. He worked with community engagement,” Newlin said. “He was a renaissance kind of guy. I liken him to somebody like Paul Robeson. Some might say that’s a stretch, but I don’t think it is. Because he has always been in the trenches, at ground zero, getting it done. He has always had continuity, commitment, dedication, and quite frankly some real chutzpah.”

Newlin was putting the finishing touches on the proclamation, which cites Parker’s “dedication to youth athletics continued through his participation in Little League Baseball, playing for the Giants in the YMCA League, the IBOE Elks Club in the Police Baseball Association, Matthews Construction in the YMCA Junior League, and CSquareC in the Princeton Softball League, where he distinguished himself as both a leader and competitor in baseball and football.”

It goes on, “Tommy continued his deep commitment to Princeton’s youth by coaching and mentoring in baseball and football, ensuring that the next generations of athletes had guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.”

Asked to describe his friend, Newlin said, “He is a confidant. If you’ve got something to share and you want someone to hold onto it, you talk to Tommy. He is very balanced. He might not nod his head and agree with you though, if he thinks you’re not headed in the right direction.”

The proclamation also praises Parker as “a staunch advocate for worker rights, civil rights, and community empowerment” through his leadership of the union local “where he championed labor equity and fair treatment for Princeton University employees.”

Despite his illness and the loss of his son, Parker “remains a beacon of resilience, perseverance, and love for his community,” the proclamation continues.

Newlin invites all who knew Parker to attend the Council meeting on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at Witherspoon Hall, where a reading of the proclamation is planned.

“However you knew him — as a friend, a competitor, and particularly if you played ball for him — we want you there,” Newlin said. “If you worked on a BCC (board, commission or committee) with him, we want you there. If you’re from the Witherspoon-Jackson community, we certainly want you there. And if you worked with him at the University, or were a member of the union, we want you there. Come a bring somebody with you. Tommy is a warrior.”