Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker proudly serves the Ninth Council District in Philadelphia, which stretches through northwest and northeast communities including East Mt. Airy, East and West Oak Lane, Olney, Lawncrest, Lawndale, Burholme and Oxford Circle. As chair of Council’s Labor and Civil Service Committee, Cherelle is working to ensure that all workers have financial security in their retirement. She is also focused on addressing deteriorating infrastructure and an overall lack of investment in middle neighborhoods, illustrating her passion for stabilization and home preservation.
Cherelle is a member of several service oriented organizations, commissions and boards working to improve the community atlarge, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Lincoln University, earning a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in English Education degrees, respectively.
In a recent interview, Parker had this to say to FunTimes.
What does HBCU mean to you and how has your experience there impacted what you do in the community?
Attending a HBCU is a great opportunity for students who are interested in getting a high-quality education combined with a culturally rich and enlightening experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my undergraduate studies at Lincoln and the bonds I formed there with faculty and peers, many of which I maintain to this day.
The experience gave an understanding of the history of African Americans and a deeper appreciation for what it means to pay it forward and support the dreams and aspirations of our young people, regardless of race or ethnic background.
How can HBCUs be better?
It’s important for all schools, including HBCUs, to continue to respond to feedback from students and alumni, as well as the changing needs of employers in a global economy. That requires strong leadership that empowers its faculty and understands that some of the best ideas come from the ground up
