In memoriam: Veteran councilwomen Joan L. Krajewski and Augusta Clark
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
The first time Philadelphia’s City Council even got close to realizing gender equality was in 1992, when seven female legislators served alongside 10 men. While that “balance” was still wanting and short-lived (it’s currently five to 12), it was nonetheless historic. This year took Augusta “Gussie” Clark, Joan L. Krajewski and Happy Fernandez, three former councilwomen whose political acumen and tenacity helped set that record. Each had her flaws, as does every politician, but all built legacies that overshadow their failings: Clark, 81, who passed away Oct. 13, was only the second black woman to serve on Council, and became a fierce champion of the School District. Krajewski, 79, who died Aug. 29, was beloved in her Northeast district, in part for her dedication to constituent service. The councilwomen chipped away at an old boys’ club, and paved the way for future leaders who will, hopefully, someday finish it off entirely.
