By Gloria DULAN-Wilson
Many may not be aware of it, but 2022 marks the 95th Anniversary year of the founding the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC. The 500 Member chapter has dedicated their efforts to a year long celebration, during which they look to honor those who have done much to help others.
In keeping with the tradition of May Week, the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter bestows their highest honor, The Sadie T.M. Alexander Award,
on an individual who consistently and continuously exemplifies her high
standards of quality and dedication. This year's honoree is none other
than the Honorable Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, who has
devoted more than 45 years in service to the people of Philadelphia -
first as an educator, then as City Council representative for the 3rd
Councilmatic district of Philadelphia, where she served seven
consecutive terms.
During her tenure as a Council Member, Jannie Blackwell served as Chair of the Committee on Finance and Chair of the Education Committee. She was Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, and appointed to the Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, Committee on Disabled & Persons with Special Needs, Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Public Safety.
She is proud of the legislation she introduced to divest from South Africa. Philadelphia played such an integral role in the ending of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, that he chose Philadelphia as his second stop on his first visit to the United States upon his release. Additionally, she served as a board member for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC).
Jannie L. Blackwell is co-founder and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and co-founder of Echoes of Africa. Their current agenda includes creating Africa Town in Southwest Philadelphia. Most recently she has assumed the role as 1st Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee and also, Chair of the United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color.
In addition to her leadership in the City Council, Ms. Blackwell also hosted an annual Christmas Party free of charge to families who were facing financial challenges. Held at the Convention Center, she would dispense gifts to all the children, provide free entertainment and a banquet to homeless and low income families. To date she is the only elected official to have done so - and kept up the tradition for more than 20 years.
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| The Hon. Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell 2022 Recipient of the Sadie T M Alexander Award |
The
ceremony, which takes place Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:30AM, is open
to the public, and is sure to be an inspirational, enlightening and
heartwarming.
To register for the event, please click on the link below:
- May Week, Open to public
click here to register.#STMA2022PACDST #MayWeek2022PACDST #PhillyDeltasat95
- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bc-oJmLxRlqKcmF1gH9Lrw
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2022 Sadie T. M. Alexander May Week Celebration
May 21 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first Black American to get a PhD in economics; and was the second Black woman to earn a PhD. She was also a civil rights activist, and, more importantly, served as the First National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from 1919 to 1923. She received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and became the first Black woman to practice law in Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Raymond Pace Alexander were a dynamic civil rights duo. In 1946 she was appointed by President Harry Truman to the President's Committee on Civil Rights; served on the Board of the National Urban League for 25 years, and served for 16 years on the City of Philadelphia's Commission on Human Relations. She paved the way for so many to come behind her, and continued to do so until she made her transition at the age of 91, leaving behind her a lifetime of legacy and inspiration.
In addition to Councilwoman Blackwell, the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter will also honor three of Philadelphia’s unsung community heroes: Lynette Brown, Sandra Clark and The Twin Sister Docs for their commitment to the the community.
As with the Hon. Sadie T.M. Alexander, these honorees have distinguished themselves in so many ways, setting the bar higher, an redefining what means to truly be servants of the people.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria DULAN-Wilson
