Honoring and Celebrating Representative Joanna E. McClinton, Esq. on her historic election as the first Black woman and first woman Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives

WHEREAS,

Joanna E. McClinton is the first Black woman and first woman elected Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Black women have been the strength behind movements for social change, but they have also been historically marginalized in positions of leadership; and

WHEREAS, Speaker McClinton's career exemplifies the power of dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice; and

WHEREAS, Speaker McClinton earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and leadership in Global Understanding at La Salle University, where she became both a student leader and a local neighborhood tutor, honing her skills as a community leader; and

WHEREAS, After earning her law degree from Villanova University School of Law, Speaker McClinton went on to work for both Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and the Defender Association of Philadelphia. This gave her a deep understanding of the inner workings of the criminal justice system and has continued to influence her policy and community work; and

WHEREAS, Speaker McClinton began her political career as Chief Counsel to State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, giving her a front row seat to the legislative process; and

WHEREAS, Speaker McClinton was first elected to serve the people of the 191st Legislative District in 2015. She has been a fierce advocate for the community, bringing millions of dollars back to her district to improve quality of life for its residents; and

WHEREAS, Speaker McClinton’s policy work has drawn from her experiences as a lifelong resident of Southwest Philadelphia and her time as a public defender, focusing on criminal justice reform, voting rights, and racial and gender equity; and

WHEREAS, As we transition from Black History Month to Women’s History Month, we take a moment to honor the historic significance of this moment and all of the contributions Speaker McClinton has made to improving quality of life across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; n

ow, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor Representative

Joanna E. McClinton, Esq. on her historic election as the first Black woman and first woman Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Speaker McClinton, evidencing the sincere respect of this Legislative body.

End