Photo Courtesy of Emma Lee/Whyy
In a historic turn of events, Philadelphia has a new leader, and it’s a moment to say, “Philly stand up!”
Cherelle Parker, the former City Councilmember, has secured a landslide victory, becoming the city’s 100th mayor and shattering the glass ceiling by becoming its first woman and first Black woman to hold the prestigious post.
Parker’s journey to the mayoral office is a testament to her resilience and determination. As a first-generation college student, she earned her bachelor’s degree in education at Lincoln University and her master’s in public administration at the University of Pennsylvania. She proudly states
, “My life is a textbook on how to turn pain into power.”Related Story: “I Want My Person Back”: Cherelle Griner Shares Emotions As Wife Is Still Detained In Russia
Cherelle Parker is inheriting a city grappling with a pressing issue: gun violence. More than 360 lives have been lost to gun violence this year, and an additional 1,161 people have been wounded as of November 5th. In response, Parker has unveiled a comprehensive approach, including the hiring of 300 new police officers and a focus on low-level crimes. She also plans to involve the National Guard in addressing the opioid crisis while ensuring zero tolerance for any misuse of authority by law enforcement.
One of Parker’s immediate tasks will be selecting a new police commissioner to replace Danielle Outlaw, who left her position in December. Parker’s emphasis on cultural competency and emotional intelligence in her top cop selection process reflects her commitment to making tough decisions for the greater good.
Parker’s administration will prioritize community engagement, especially regarding the proposed Sixers’ arena near Chinatown. She intends to engage with the community and rely on data to make informed decisions.
Education is another focal point of Parker’s mayoral agenda. She proposes “year-round” schooling and increasing the proportion of property tax allocated to the district by 3% to secure more funding from Harrisburg. Additionally, Parker aims to gradually reduce city wage taxes and expand the “Taking Care of Business Clean Corridors” program citywide.
As Cherelle Parker’s historic win paves the way for her transformative mayoral term, her priorities are clear. Combating gun violence, making informed decisions about city projects, and improving education are at the forefront of her agenda. With her strong mandate from Philadelphia voters, Parker is poised to lead the city into a new era of progress and inclusivity.