A Girls’ High alum, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson honored her alma mater during City Council’s second Stated Meeting of the year
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large) honored her alma mater, the Philadelphia High School for Girls (Girls’ High), during Philadelphia City Council’s second Stated Meeting of the year. Girls’ High students and alumnae were able to offer public comment on the resolution.
Founded on Feb. 1, 1848, Girls’ High is one of the oldest public schools for girls, and the first municipally funded high school for girls, in the United States. Councilmember Gilmore Richardson introduced the resolution ahead of the school’s demisemisesquicentennial as it prepares to celebrate 175 years of developing the next generation of female leaders.
“I was so pleased to welcome to Council my alma mater, the Philadelphia High School for Girls as we prepare to celebrate our 175th anniversary,” said Councilmember Gilmore Richardson. “Since 1848, Girls’ High has helped transform young women like myself into the next generation of leaders who make an impact not only in Philadelphia, but across our nation. Our motto, ‘vincit qui se vincit’ translates into ‘she who conquers herself’ and Girl’s High alumnae do just that.”
During the public comment period, remarks were offered by Dr. Constance Clayton, the first woman and African American to lead the Philadelphia Public School system; Archbishop Mary Floyd Palmer, the first African American female Archbishop in the United States and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Lisa Mesi, Girls’ High principal and 2021 Lindback Award-winning principal; and current Girls’ High students.
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Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson is the youngest woman in Philadelphia to be elected citywide and the youngest Black woman ever elected to Philadelphia City Council. As an at-large councilmember, she has championed issues such as increasing transparency and accountability in city government, fighting for good-paying jobs on behalf of Philadelphia workers, creating safer neighborhoods for our children, and advancing environmental justice. Stay updated at PHLCouncil.com, on Facebook & Instagram @CouncilmemberKGR and on Twitter @CouncilwomanKGR.
