Democrat Cherelle Parker, who won against Republican David Oh to become Philadelphia’s 100th mayor and the first woman to hold that office, is a Lincoln University graduate, writes Sean Collins Walsh for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

She graduated from the Chester County institution in 1994 with a degree in English Education. While she taught in school for a while, she began her political career path in 2005. Now in 2023, she landed one of the most important positions in the city.

Parker recognized the importance and historic nature of her campaign by thanking women who made it all possible by blazing a trail for her, including former Council President Anna Verna and former State Sen. Roxanne Jones. 

”I’m only here today because those women decided I was worthy enough to sit at their feet and learn,” said Parker. “So anyone who’s watching today, you need to know I don’t arrive here by myself. I didn’t pull myself up by my bootstraps. There was a community and a village of people who lifted me up.”

During her campaign, Parker emphasized her personal story, including being raised by her grandparents and having to rely on food stamps. 

”I wouldn’t allow anybody else to attempt to weaponize my humble beginnings against me,” said Parker. 

During her term, Parker has promised to be tough on crime, keep schools open all year, help small businesses, and make Philadelphia a “safer, cleaner, greener city.” 

Read more about Cherelle Parker becoming the 100th mayor of Philadelphia in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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