NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION WOMEN LAWYERS DIVISION (WLD) PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER CONGRADULATES SPEAKER MCCLINTON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date March 1, 2023
National Bar Association, Women Lawyers Division (WLD) Philadelphia Chapter congratulates Speaker McClinton.
Women’s History Month commemorates and acknowledges the achievements, historical contributions, social advancement, and overall tenacity of women both across the United States and around the world. According to the United States Library of Congress, Women’s History Month has its official origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28.
For women in Pennsylvania, particularly Black women, this month is significant as we celebrate the Honorable Joanna E. McClinton – the First African American Woman Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. With esteemed pride, the National Bar Association Women’s Lawyers Division – Philadelphia Chapter (WLD) would like to extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Representative McClinton on this tremendous accomplishment.
As a Philadelphia native, Representative McClinton demonstrates her commitment to the betterment of the community through her career as a former Philadelphia Public Defender, legislative staff member to State Senator Anthony Williams, and eight (8) years of service as State Representative of the 191st District.
Representative McClinton’s tenure exemplifies excellence daily through her hard work and dedication. Her ongoing contributions and public service initiatives are worthy of celebration as she continues to advocate on the behalf of Pennsylvania. In 2018, Representative McClinton became the first woman and first African American person to be elected as Democratic Caucus Chair. And in 2020, she became the first woman to be elected as the Minority Floor Leader.
Established in 1981, WLD prides itself on supporting and creating space for Black women attorneys, lawyers, and practitioners to thrive. Representative McClinton has frequently shared her wisdom, charismatic nature, and guidance with our membership by speaking on panels about her career journey and the importance of public service.
For these reasons and more, we congratulate Speaker McClinton on this momentous occasion!
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