Blondell Reynolds Brown facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blondell Reynolds Brown
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the at-large district
In office January 3, 2000 – January 6, 2020
Preceded by	Augusta Clark
Succeeded by	Katherine Gilmore Richardson
Personal details
Born	(1952-10-16) October 16, 1952 (age 72) Sumter, South Carolina
Political party	Democratic
Alma mater	Penn State University

Blondell Reynolds Brown is an American politician. She was a member of the Philadelphia City Council. She was born on October 16, 1952. She is part of the Democratic Party.

For many years, she was the only woman serving "At-Large" on the City Council. This means she represented the entire city, not just one neighborhood. In 2012, she became the council's Majority Whip. She was the only woman in a leadership role at that time.

About Blondell Reynolds Brown

Blondell Reynolds Brown was born in Sumter, South Carolina. Her mother, Sadie, was a schoolteacher. Her father, Whittimore Reynolds, worked in construction. Blondell is the oldest of seven children.

After high school, she went to Penn State University. She earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1974. A year later, she earned a master's degree in education. She then started teaching elementary school in Philadelphia.

In 1976, Blondell Reynolds Brown became a professional dancer. She joined the Philadelphia Dance Company, also known as Philadanco. After her dancing career, she taught dance. She also served on Philadanco's board for 20 years.

From 2002 to 2005, she was a fellow with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She learned how to create new policies. These policies aimed to improve health for children and families in cities. She also completed leadership programs at the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Urban League.

She lives with her family in the Wynnefield area of Philadelphia.

Starting a Political Career

Blondell Reynolds Brown began her political journey in 1982. She served as a committee person in Philadelphia's 24th Ward. This role helps connect people in a neighborhood with their political party.

In 1991, she worked for Pennsylvania State Senator Chaka Fattah. She helped him with laws. Later, she worked for State Senator Vincent Hughes. She helped connect with communities.

She was also a delegate to the Democratic National Convention several times. This is a big meeting where the Democratic Party chooses its presidential candidate.

Running for City Council

The Philadelphia City Council has 10 members who represent specific districts. It also has 7 "At-Large" members. At-Large members are elected by voters from the entire city.

To become an At-Large Council member, candidates must first win their party's primary election. They need to finish among the top candidates. Then, in the general election, they must finish among the top 7 to win a seat.

Here's how Blondell Reynolds Brown did in her campaigns:

Work on Philadelphia City Council

Blondell Reynolds Brown focused on several important issues. These included women, children, education, and the arts. She also worked on small business development. She became a leader in energy saving and environmental issues.

Key Laws and Projects

Here are some of the things she helped achieve:

Supporting Women and Children

• Commission for Women: She helped create a group of volunteers. This group works to create fair chances for women in Philadelphia. It also aims to improve the lives of women and their families.
• Women on Boards: She worked to help women start businesses. She also helped them get fair chances for business contracts with the city.
• Fund for Children: In 2000, she helped create a special fund for children. The Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles sports teams agreed to donate money. They will give $1 million each year for 30 years. This will provide over $60 million to help children in Philadelphia.

Improving Health and Environment

• Menu Labeling: She helped pass a law requiring restaurants to list nutrition facts. Chain restaurants with 15 or more locations must show calories, fat, sodium, and sugar on their menus. This was one of the most complete menu labeling laws in the country.
• Department of Parks and Recreation Merger: She worked to combine Philadelphia's parks and recreation systems. This made them more efficient and saved money.
• Mayor's Office of Sustainability: She helped create an office to focus on making Philadelphia more environmentally friendly.
• Littering Bill: This law increased the number of trash and recycling bins. It also made sure apartment buildings had places for trash and recycling.
• Green Roof Tax Credit: This gives a tax credit to homeowners. It encourages them to put living plants on their roofs. These "green roofs" help the environment.
• Energy Benchmarking: This system helps track how much energy and water large buildings use. This encourages them to save energy.

Public Safety and Transportation

• ATVs: She helped pass a law that limits ATV use on public sidewalks. It also allows police to take ATVs or fine riders if they are used illegally.
• Hate Crime Bill: This law added extra penalties for crimes motivated by hatred. This includes hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabilities.
• Citywide Bike Sharing Program: She helped approve a program for sharing bicycles in the city. This makes it easier for people to ride bikes.

Supporting Local Business and Community

• $30 Million in Additional School Funding: She helped get more funds for schools in Philadelphia.
• Hospitality Promotion: She helped increase funding for groups that promote tourism in Philadelphia.
• Daycare Fee Waiver: This law removed permit fees for group daycare providers. It also removed fees from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• "Philly First" Bill: This law changed how the city awards contracts. It gives a bigger advantage to businesses owned in Philadelphia.

Committee Roles

Blondell Reynolds Brown was a member of many City Council committees:

• Environment (chair)
• Education (Vice-chair)
• Commerce and Economic Development
• Global Opportunities and The Economy
• Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs
• Ethics
• Finance
• Fiscal Stability & Intergovernmental Cooperation
• Public Health & Human Services
• Legislative Oversight
• Rules
• Transportation and Public Utilities
• Whole

Community Involvement

Since 1999, Blondell Reynolds Brown has mentored many women and girls. She does this through her program, "The Celebration of Moxie Women." This event happens during Women's History Month in March. Through this program, she has honored many successful women. She also recognizes Philadelphia's "Next Generation of Female Leaders: Rising Stars."

She serves on the boards of directors for several community groups:

• Philadelphia Convention and Visitor's Bureau
• The Marian Anderson Award
• The African American Museum of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Young Playwrights
• City Year Greater Philadelphia
• Please Touch Museum
• The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
• Wynnefield Residents Association

She has also been involved with:

• Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Philadelphia Chapter
• National League of Cities – Children, Youth, & Families Division
• Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Pennsylvania Chapter

Awards and Recognition

Blondell Reynolds Brown has received many awards for her work:

• National Coalition of 100 Black Women Woman of the Year Award
• Philadelphia Young Playwrights Advocate Award
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Take the Lead Award
• Girls Inc. Strong, Smart & Bold Award
• Women's Way Powerful Voice: Leadership Award
• School District of Philadelphia's Obermayer Award: Outstanding Alumni
• Mazzoni Center Justice in Action Award
• United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Women's Initiative Award

Images for kids

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  Blondell Reynolds Brown