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Jannie Blackwell
Jannie Blackwell (25861819286) (1).jpg
Member of the Philadelphia City Council from the 3rd District
In office
January 6, 1992 – January 6, 2020
Preceded by Lucien Blackwell
Succeeded by Jamie Gauthier
Personal details
Born (1945-07-15) July 15, 1945 (age 79)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Political party Democratic
Spouse Lucien Blackwell
Children Thomas W. Blackwell

Jannie L. Blackwell (born July 15, 1945) is an important leader in Philadelphia. She was a member of the Philadelphia City Council for many years. She represented the Third District, which covers much of West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia. This area includes University City. She served on the council from 1992 to 2020. She also holds a leadership role in the Philadelphia Democratic Party.

Early Life and Career

Jannie Blackwell grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before she started her career in politics, she worked as a teacher. She taught in public schools, helping young people learn and grow.

Political Career

Joining the City Council

In 1991, Jannie Blackwell was elected to the Philadelphia City Council. She became the representative for the Third District. She took over this important role from her husband, Lucien Blackwell. He had served in the same council seat for 17 years before her.

Rules for Fairness

Jannie Blackwell had some different ideas about rules for how people contribute money to political campaigns. She spoke about how some rules might make it harder for smaller businesses to get city jobs. She thought that businesses owned by minority groups might face challenges if they had to share all their campaign donations. She believed that people should be able to support the candidates they choose. She was the only council member to vote against a package of new rules about ethics.

Jannie Blackwell also had a different view on banning smoking in public places. At first, she did not support a city-wide ban on smoking in public areas.

Protecting History and Community

In 2004, Jannie Blackwell suggested new laws. These laws would give the City Council more power to decide which areas in the city should be protected as historic places. This process was usually controlled by the city's Historical Commission.

She also questioned the role of the University City District. She believed that the City Council should represent the interests of citizens more than other groups, like the University of Pennsylvania.

Jannie Blackwell was also a member of the board for the Philadelphia Housing Authority. This group helps provide housing for people in the city. She also served as a Ward Leader for the 46th Ward Democratic Executive Committee.

End of Council Service

In 2019, Jannie Blackwell ran for re-election to her council seat. However, she lost the Democratic nomination for the Third District to Jamie Gauthier. Her term on the City Council ended in January 2020.

Family Background

Jannie Blackwell is the widow of Lucien Blackwell. He was also a well-known politician. He served as a U.S. Representative, a State Representative, and a City Councilman. Her step-son, Thomas, also followed in the family's footsteps. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

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