WHEREAS,
Ethel Allen was born in Philadelphia in 1929 and graduated from John Halahan Catholic High School for Girls before receiving a degree from West Virginia State College with majors in chemistry and biology and a minor in mathematics; and
WHEREAS,
Starting at the age of five, Ethel Allen was fascinated with medicine and prior to attending medical school trained as a chemist and worked for the Atomic Energy Commission; and
WHEREAS,
In the 1950's, barriers to medical education were nearly insurmountable for African-American women and after seven years of applying, Ethel Allen was finally accepted to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine; and
WHEREAS,
Upon graduating from medical school and completing her internship, Dr. Ethel Allen began practicing medicine at Fifteenth Street and Columbia Avenue where she was passionate and committed to providing community medical services in the poorest neighborhoods of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS,
After nearly 10 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Allen believed that she could better serve the community as an elected official and became the first African American female elected to Philadelphia City Council where she served the Fifth Council District from 1972 - 1976; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Allen was elected as an At-Large Councilwoman serving in that role from 1976 - 1979 and was the only female African American Republican At-Large Councilwoman elected in Philadelphia ; and
WHEREAS,
In 1979, Dr. Allen was appointed Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Governor Thornburgh; and
WHEREAS,
In 1981, Dr. Allen passed away from complications of double bypass surgery leaving behind a legacy of good works and devotion to the people of Philadelphia; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
Recognizes and honors the life and accomplishments of Dr. Ethel D. Allen.
RESOLVED FURTHER,
That an engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the principal of Dr. Ethel Allen Elementary School to be prominently displayed further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End