Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell chooses to mark her birthday by helping others. For the 16th consecutive year, the 3rd District councilwoman shared her birthday with hundreds of Philadelphians, with the special guests being homeless men and women who are living on the streets or in the City’s shelter system.
“Everybody was born,” Blackwell explained. “They deserve a party, they deserve fun.”
At Councilwoman Blackwell’s annual birthday bash and health fair, every guest was treated to a traditional barbecue lunch. Volunteers from the West Philadelphia community, including Community Connectors from People’s Emergency Center and Divine Destiny Community Church, helped serve food and connected people with health services.
“We invite everybody, all the shelters, people who sleep on the street, judges, the mayor, [City] Council people,” Councilwoman Blackwell said.
Health and community vendors included Penn Medicine –HUP Renal/Hypertension Division, Nursing Outreach at HUP, Southwest Cooking Grease Recycling and Villa. Councilwoman Blackwell thanked everyone involved in helping with the annual celebration, with special thanks to Coca-Cola, Fresh Grocer, Fred’s Water Ice, and Jeanne Bund & the Professional Healthcare Institute. See Councilwoman Blackwell’s full ‘On The Spot’ interview below.
