Former Philadelphia City Councilwoman Clark Dies At 81
By Dan Wing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A historic figure in Philadelphia's political scene has passed away at the age of 81.
Augusta "Gussie" Clark was only the 2nd African-American female elected to serve as a City Councilwoman, a position she held for two decades.
While not a Philadelphia native, Augusta Clark called the city home for most of her adult life.
After earning her Master's at Drexel University, and a law degree from Temple, Clark was elected to serve as a Democratic Councilwoman at-large in 1980. She served as Chair of the Education Committee and also as Chair of the Public Property and Public Works Committee before retiring in 2000.
Current City Council President Darrell Clark in a written statement says "Gussie" was "a peacemaker during some tumultuous years in City Hall."
2nd District Congressman Chaka Fattah in a statement said Clark "leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to our community."
The statement also says Clark spent her life trying to "level the playing field in Philadelphia for those seeking to advance out of poverty."
