From Pottstown to Philadelphia

Stephen Antonio Pina, or Steve, was "Him" before the term became a thing. He was the "Man" before he realized it. But before that, of course, Stephen was once young. On February, 28, 1947, his parents Albert Anthony and Phyllis Viola Johnson-Pina, welcomed the second of what would be four children, to a close-knit extended family that included uncles, aunts and cousins, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Growing up, Stephen would excel in Track and Field, earning All-State Cross Country honors. During his scholastic years, Stephen received many awards before graduating with honors from Pottstown Area High School, in 1965.

Turning down the likes of Yale, Stephen graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education, in 1969.

And this is where the legend was born. In 1975, Stephen met and married his life long "Bop" partner, Janet Arnette. Their union raised two children, Leslie Janelle and Stephen, II. This power couple began blazing some of the trails that still burn in Philadelphia till this day.

Stand For Something

After briefly teaching English, at University City High School, Stephen's life shifted when he took a job with the Department of Recreation where he "ran" the legendary playground at Richard Allen Projects. Why is this important? Ask anyone from Richard Allen about "him" and he either helped them learn to read, gave them job training, taught them chess, got them off of drugs or made them put down their guns.

It's been said, that he, along with Albert Swann, Benny Swanns, Curtis Thomas, the late, Edwina Baker and others, were responsible for the largest gang truce in Philadelphia's history between 12th Street and the Morroccos during the 70's. During this time, Philadelphia was facing a major crisis in juvenile gang violence and Stephen was considered, by many, to be one of the most effective youth and community advocates in Philadelphia.

After meeting with these lifelong friends, Steve agreed to support their initiatives if there was a comprehensive plan, financing, organizational structure and appropriate space where gang members had real input into shaping their lives. These minds produced: The Philadelphia Committee for Services to Youth, the United Council of Gangs and the Philadelphia Network with Gerald Jones or Heatwave, as the streets may know him. Steve anchored all three and worked tirelessly for the youth of Philadelphia.

With the legal and financial support of some of Philadelphia's political G.O.A.Ts, like John White Jr, Pat Russell, Charlie Bowser, Alex Talmadge, Sr, and others, Steve helped develop Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Commission.

These initiatives and programs produced a major reduction in gang violence throughout the city and fostered many "former" gang members obtaining high school diplomas and in many cases, college degrees. Talk heavy Steve! Lincoln, Carnegie Melon, Wilberforce, Cheyney, Temple and so on benefited from Steve's vision and organization.

The White House Lawn

During the late 70's Stephen met Ben Brown, a political activist who introduced him to the politics of campaigning. Within months, Steve would serve as assistant director for Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign. And when President Carter was inaugurated, Steve, along with his family, literally watched the fireworks from the White House Lawn.

Teach Young Man, Teach

After working with President Carter, Steve went back to his passion of teaching/mentoring. In the mid 80's Steve became Program Director of World Wide Systems, providing real-world vocational training as well as hands-on experience and certification opportunities for residents of Philadelphia. Steve would later continue out-reach, encouraging the marginalized communities through a program, Diversified Solutions, providing job training to Philadelphia residents.

Somewhere in Between He Helped Elect a Governor

Steve orchestrated several political campaigns and ran state-wide grassroot strategies for the 42nd Governor of Pennsylvania, Bob Casey, Sr. He would later follow it up, duplicating this with the 45th Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell.

I Love You Man!

Aside from his family, one of Steve's greatest accomplishments was his role as Executive Director of arguably one of the most successful Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation facilities in the country, One Day At A Time or O.D.A.A.T as it was known throughout. Going back to his roots, Steve saved lives! Steve changed lives! Steve was more than the Executive Director, Steve was in the trenches. Never judging, strictly hugging. ODAAT ran multiple treatment centers designed to help turn around the lives of young men and women with addiction troubles. If you want to see the effects of Steve's work, watch how many times his son and daughter were stopped throughout the city, on a daily basis, by loved ones that shared stories about their dad and how he helped them defeat addiction.

Can't Stop Won't Stop

By the mid-90's Steve decided to shut it down or so he thought. In semi-retirement, Steve became a founding member of the Father's Day Rally Committee, along with Bilal Qayyum, an organization that celebrates fatherhood by promoting positive action and interaction among individuals, specifically fathers. The FDRC helps African American males face social, economic, legal, educational, and relationship challenges that hinder them from being responsible, productive male role models.

Steve served on the Board of New Options More Opportunities (NOMO) Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, families and community.

Bop Till You Drop

Steve spent the later years dancing, traveling and living with his "young girl," Janet, his wife of 43 years. The only person that may have been smoother and badder than Steve was "her." Janet was all that and if you think his resume was tough, imagine being married to a founding member of 100 Black Women Coalition, and the first African American Woman to be named Chief Deputy Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were truly a power couple.

And they bopped until Janet's song stopped playing in 2018.

Family

Whether it was Steve, Big Steve, Mr. P, Unk, Stephen, Peanut, Stevie, Dad or Pop Pop by his family and friends, he will be remembered in so many ways. His smile was infectious. His words and advice were invaluable. His mentorship was priceless, and his legacy is cemented.

Steve was preceded in death by his siblings; sister, Myta Elizabeth, brothers, Albert Anthony and Phillip; his wife, Janet, sister-in-law, Phyllis Arnette Shuler and niece, Tanya Pina.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Leslie Arnette and son, Stephen Pina II; Grandchildren, Xavier, Halle, Skylar, Elijah and Bailey.

While Steve's biological parents preceded him, his buddy, his rock, his "mom", Dolores Jacobe is still there, all 94 years!

Steve is survived by a host of family including Sister-in-laws, Cynthia Arnette, Davida Jacobe-Hart, Toni Jacobe and sister-in-love, Patricia West. Brother in-laws, William H. Hart, William Shuler, Louis Arnette and a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, Nathaniel, and a host of cousins.

Oh, and I can't forget the extended family, affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

JOB WELL DONE YOUNG BOY! YOUR SERVICE IS NEEDED ELSEWHERE. PEACE!