Lucien Blackwell

Lucien E. Blackwell was a Democratic Congressman who represented West Philadelphia and parts of Delaware County, Pennsylvania from 1991-1994. Blackwell was born in Whitsett, Fayette County, Pennsylvania on August 1, 1931. After attending public schools, Blackwell joined the United States Army, serving in the Korean War from 1953-1954. Blackwell was a boxing champion during his years in the Army. Blackwell was a powerful Philadelphia union leader, serving as president of the Local 1332, International Longshoremen’s Association from 1973-1991. Blackwell's professional political career began with election to the Pennsylvania state house of representatives where he served from 1973-1975. However, Blackwell was best known as a vibrant member of the Philadelphia City Council from 1974-1991. During his City Council tenure, Blackwell was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor of Philadelphia in both 1979 and 1991. Blackwell was elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Second Congress by special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Representative William H. Gray, III, and reelected to the succeeding Congress (November 5, 1991-January 3, 1995). In Congress, Blackwell was a member of the House Budget Committee and a reliable advocate for President Bill Clinton's economic policies. Blackwell was ultimately an unsuccessful candidate for renomination to the One Hundred Fourth Congress in 1994, and served as lobbyist following his tenure in Congress. On January 24, 2003, Blackwell died at the age of 71. A mural reading "Thank you, Mr. Blackwell,” can be seen at 42nd Street and Haverford Avenue in West Philadelphia. Blackwell's widow, Jannie, is a member of the Philadelphia City Council.