Alphonso Deal, born in 1923, was a decorated WWII veteran, a Philadelphia Police Officer for nearly 25 years, and a three-term State Representative for the 181st District. In 1956, he founded the Guardian Civic League, a chapter of the National Black Police Association, fostering cooperation between police and communities. Deal was also known for challenging racial issues citywide, including police brutality, and was instrumental in saving Philadelphia’s NAACP chapter. The Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a resolution to name the 1500 block of Girard Avenue as “Alphonso Deal Way” in his honor.