Page 3 - Newsletter

GHS Grads at the 2016 Democratic National
Convention in Philadelphia

By Dorothy G. Kapenstein

Disclaimer – The Alumnae Association of the Philadelphia High School for Girls does
not support any political party or endorse any candidate. The Communication Team
solicited stories about both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
No stories were submitted about the Republican National Convention.

A host of visitors were in Philadelphia from July 25 to July 28 for the
Democratic National Convention (DNC). Some came as elected delegates to
carry out the most solemn and serious task of selecting the presidential

candidate who will be the party standard bearer in the
November election. Many came to serve as volunteers
in a host of activities that helped to make events run
smoothly. Girls’ High alumnae served in many
capacities—from volunteers to delegates to DNC
officials.

Shirley Clarke Franklin (January 1963) was co-
chair of the DNC's national platform committee,
a unit charged with the formidable task of
designing the platform upon which its candidate will stand and
run. Ms. Franklin presented and read the finished product
to the delegates for approval on opening night. She called
the work that went into the platform the "most open and
transparent process in our party’s history. We drafted
the most progressive platform ever. It’s a bold vision for
working families, social justice and the continuing
prosperity and security of our country, and it’s reflective of
our party as Democrats, the party of inclusion." Ms.
Franklin, former Mayor of Atlanta, was the first African
American woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the
South. She is equally well known and admired as an
activist, a business woman, and a political leader. Shirley
is a member of the GHS Court of Honor of Distinguished
Daughters.

Gloria Allred (June 1959) is a lady who “needs no introduction.” She has
devoted her career and her life to the cause of justice for all, and to fighting
for the rights of women and minorities. She served as a delegate from
California. It was not her first Democratic National Convention. She was an