1Expressing condolences on the passing of Augusta "Gussie" Clark,
2former councilwoman of the City of Philadelphia and exemplary
3public servant who died on October 13, 2013.

4WHEREAS, Augusta "Gussie" Clark was born on March 5, 1932, in
5Union Town, Alabama, and grew up in Fairmount, West Virginia;
6and

7WHEREAS, After graduating from West Virginia State College,
8she moved to Philadelphia to work as an assistant at Color
9magazine, which was a publication targeted at Black readers; and

10WHEREAS, When Color went out of business, Ms. Clark earned
11her master of library science degree from Drexel University and
12became a librarian; and

13WHEREAS, Ms. Clark earned a law degree from Temple University
14and worked as a lawyer before seeking public office; and

15WHEREAS, In 1980, Ms. Clark became the second African-
16American woman to be elected to city council in Philadelphia;

1and

2WHEREAS, During her 20-year tenure, Ms. Clark focused her
3energy on improving Philadelphia's public schools and
4revitalizing poor communities; and

5WHEREAS, Ms. Clark retired from council in February 2000
6where she served as a Democratic councilwoman at large and
7majority whip; and

8WHEREAS, After retiring from city council, Ms. Clark became
9secretary of agencies, authorities, boards and commissions in
10Mayor John Street's cabinet; and

11WHEREAS, Ms. Clark died on October 13, 2013, and is survived
12by her son, Mark; daughter, Adrienne; and four grandchildren;
13therefore be it

14RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express
15condolences on the passing of Augusta "Gussie" Clark, former
16councilwoman of the City of Philadelphia and exemplary public
17servant who died on October 13, 2013.