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Recognizing, congratulating, and honoring State Representative Joanna McClinton (191st State House District) on being elected by her peers to serve as the Democratic Caucus Leader, making her the House Minority Leader, as well as the first woman of any race or ethnicity to serve in this capacity in the General Assembly.
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WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Southwest Philadelphia, daughter of “Elder” Rachel McClinton and the proud aunt of Desiree McClinton, State Representative Joanna McClinton, was a graduate of Grace Temple Christian Academy, where she became active in the community while completing a two-year internship with the radio station WDAS. Later, she studied Political Science and Leadership in Global Understanding at La Salle University where she was a Dean's List student, student leader, and neighborhood tutor; and
WHEREAS, Immediately after graduating from La Salle University, Representative McClinton enrolled at Villanova University School of Law where she used her legal training to serve the public. She began as an intern at Regional Housing Legal Services, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, and the Defender Association of Philadelphia where she was also an Assistant Public Defender for seven years. She became the Assistant Chief of the East Zone during her last year at the Public Defender's Office and helped attorneys with case preparation; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Representative McClinton combined her passion for the community and love of the law by becoming Chief Counsel to State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, where she worked behind the scenes in the Senator's Harrisburg and Philadelphia offices, developing policy and legislation. In her time there she also organized expungement fairs and public policy forums, and helped constituents with community issues impacting the district. A few years later, Representative McClinton took the oath of office to serve the people of the 191st Legislative District on Aug. 25, 2015 after winning a special election two weeks prior; and
WHEREAS, Representative McClinton’s passion of community service began at an early age where she was active member in her community, where she served as a youth leader at her West Philadelphia home church, Open Door Mission for more than 10 years. As a youth ministry leader, she organized positive programs for children, mentoring them and reminding them that their dreams can come true. Today she continues her community service serving as a volunteer with Outreach to Youth and Hands of Compassion American Sign Language Ministry; and
WHEREAS, Representative McClinton currently serves as an elected Board Member of the La Salle University Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she helped initiate the Minority Alumni Advisory Group. She has served as the secretary of the Philadelphia Barrister's Association, the City's Bar Association of African American attorneys, and as President of the La Salle University African American Alumni Association; and
WHEREAS, Representative McClinton has been acknowledged for her commitment to public service and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties by receiving several awards. They include: City and State PA's 40 Under 40; the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia's Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award; Successful Women Achieving Goals' Women of the Year Award; Fun Time Magazine's Women of Influence Award; the PRE-K for PA Champion Award; the Spirit of a Dove Community Servant Award; the Lucien E. Blackwell Guiding Light Community Award; and the Black Gala Women of Excellence Award; and
WHEREAS, In November of 2018, this City Council recognized Representative McClinton for being elected by her peers to serve as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus for the 2019-20 Legislative Session, making her the first African American and woman to hold the caucus chairman leadership position; and
WHEREAS, On November 12, 2020, history was made when Representative McClinton was elected by her peers to serve as the Democratic Caucus Leader, making her the House Minority Leader, as well as the first woman of any race or ethnicity to serve in this capacity in the General Assembly; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes, congratulates, and honors State Representative Joanna McClinton for her continued dedication and service to the City of Philadelphia and for being elected as the Democratic Caucus Leader.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to State Representative Joanna McClinton as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
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