Darrell L. Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Darrell L. Clarke
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| President of the Philadelphia City Council | |
| In office January 2, 2012 – January 1, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Anna Verna |
| Succeeded by | Kenyatta Johnson |
| Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 5th district |
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| In office May 18, 1999 – January 1, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | John Street |
| Succeeded by | Jeffery Young Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 17, 1952 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Darrell L. Clarke (born September 17, 1952) is an American politician who was a Democratic member of the Philadelphia City Council from 1999 to 2024, representing the 5th District. From 2012 to 2024, he served as president of the Council.
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Early life and education
A native of North Philadelphia, Clarke grew up in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. He graduated from Edison High School. He later attended the Community College of Philadelphia but did not graduate. He now resides in the Fishtown neighborhood.
Political career
He was elected as a committeeman himself and became an aide to John Street, who represented the Fifth District for nearly three decades and eventually became Council President.
Election to city council
In December 1998, Street resigned as a member of the City Council to run for mayor and endorsed Clarke for his seat in the 1999 special election held. Clarke won by only 140 votes over Julie Welker and Dorothy Carn. Welker filed a lawsuit alleging election fraud. The case was decided in Clarke's favor.
City council tenure
Clarke is a former Majority Whip and is the Chair of the Fiscal Stability and Public Property Committees and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He was elected to the position of Council President after the office was vacated by the retiring Anna Verna.
One of Clarke's legislative actions was his introduction of the bill to end the City-subsidized lease on the 80-year-old headquarters building of the Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of America over their ban on gay scouts. After a protracted legal battle, the bill was overturned in Federal court and the City of Philadelphia was ordered to pay nearly a million dollars in legal fees to the Boy Scouts.
Personal life
His father, Jerry, was involved in politics as a party committeeman. His mother, Ruth, was employed by the Veterans Administration.
Clarke has one daughter, Dr. Nicole Bright, and a grandson.
See also
- List of members of Philadelphia City Council since 1952
