Cherelle Parker made history on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, when she won the mayoral election in the city of Philadelphia, and was sworn into office on January 2nd, 2024. She now serves as the first female mayor of the city that was founded more than 300 years ago. Her success proves that with a great mindset, an attitude of perseverance, and hard work, women, especially black women, can eventually change the world.
Although Parker has spent a career demonstrating bravery and fighting for the causes that are important to her, some people might not be familiar with her record. Born to a single teenage mother and raised by her grandparents, Parker didn’t have the most typical family household structure. However, she was born into a world of unconditional love and support from her family and community. She went to local Philadelphia schools all her life and after graduating high school, Parker was the first person in her family to go to college. She attended Lincoln University for her bachelor’s degree and went to the University of Pennsylvania for her master’s. Parker had a huge connection with serving her community dating back to high school when she began interning in Philadelphia’s City Council for Councilwoman, Marian B. Tasco. She worked as an ESL teacher helping alleviate the transition to a different country for immigrant families. While working for Councilwoman Tasco, she was elected as a state representative representing Northwest Philadelphia. During her 10-year tenure as a state representative, she worked to fund schools, help working Philadelphians, and protect victims of sexual assault. She was then elected to the City Council in 2016, where she broadened the causes she chose to fight for, including the push for a safer city, a city with more opportunity, and a cleaner, greener city. In September 2022, Parker resigned from the City Council and announced her mayoral candidacy in 2023.
Cherelle Parker’s story and success signify the power of putting your mind to the work you want to accomplish. She did not let the lack of diversity derail her from working hard to obtain the positions that she sought. Most women, and especially black women, are already at a disadvantage when they begin to chase their dreams, especially in certain fields. Due to predetermined biases and unfair treatment, some black women might even deny themselves the goal of positions and rights they fully deserve. Parker represents what can happen when all women keep striving. She worked diligently and because of her work, she paved the way for future generations of women to accomplish their wildest dreams.
Sources
GridPhilly. “Ask the Mayoral Candidate: Cherelle Parker.” Grid Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023, gridphilly.com/blog-home/2023/11/02/ask-the-mayoral-candidate-cherelle-parker/. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.
Information used in this article was taken from Parker’s campaign website:
“Cherelle Parker for Mayor.” Cherelle Parker, www.cherelleparker.com/. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.
