Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia residents by “Putting People First.” As an educator, community activist, political leader and concerned parent, her clear focus and commitment to help others not only defines her past endeavors prior to her election to Philadelphia City
Council, but also continues to inform her current goals. This is reflected in her ability to sponsor and gain passage of legislation that promotes greater access to and the availability of meaningful opportunities in education, arts and culture, and small business development.

A sought-after speaker, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown devotes her programmatic and legislative efforts toward improving the quality of life for residents through arts, small business and youth oriented initiatives. Also, “Women Making A Difference Celebration,” her adopted signature program held annually in March, showcases women’s accomplishments and has grown to provide a platform for supporting issues and organizations that impact women, children and families.

Accomplishments:
Since assuming office in January 2000, Blondell Reynolds Brown has worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of legislation focused on her platform issues:

• Convinced the Phillies and Eagles, along with Mayor John F. Street, during negotiations for the new sports stadium, to establish a “Fund for Children” that specifies that each team contribute $1 million annually for 30 years.
• Advocated and secured funding for arts and culture programming in the City budget.
• Fought to ensure the integrity of the City's "Percent for Art" programs.
• Earned passage of “smart” bills that have simplified the approval process for childcare providers, eased the tax burden on new businesses, and allowed the City to save money by taking advantage of lower cost procurement contracts.
• Enacted resolutions in City Council that supported organized labor unions (SEIU – Janitors and 1199C – Childcare Teachers) in their efforts to gain fair contracts.
  

Public Service Positions:

• Legislative Director for former State Senator Chaka Fattah
• Community Affairs Director for State Senator Vincent Hughes
• Delegate for the Democratic National Convention in 1984, 1988, 1996, and 2000
• Committeeperson for the 24th Ward
• Director of Community Affairs and Fund Development for the Phila. Opportunities Industrialization Center
• Youth Project Director for the Philadelphia Urban League
• Director of Pennsylvania State University’s Philadelphia Recruitment Center
• Elementary School Teacher

Professional/Leadership Training:

• Completed fellowship in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Urban Health Initiative Program that provided an intensive learning experience in planning and implementing strategic and innovative policy system changes for children, youth and families.
• Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Community Leadership Program.
• Member of the Charter Class of the Philadelphia Urban League Leadership Institute.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education & Master of Science in Education from Pennsylvania State University
  

Organizational Affiliations (current):

• Board Member of The Philadelphia Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, The Marian Anderson Award, The African American Museum of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Young Playwrights, and The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
• Member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization, and Pinn Memorial Baptist Church in West Philadelphia.
• 2nd Vice Chair of the Black Elected Officials of Philadelphia

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown resides in Philadelphia’s Wynnefield section with her husband, Howard A. Brown, and their children, Andrew and Brielle.

“The secret of leadership is to think of your position as an opportunity to serve, not as a trumpet call to self-importance.”
J. Donald Walters