17) #BlackHistoryMonth Charles Bowser

Charles Bowser, Attorney and Mayoral Candidate was a towering figure in Philadelphia politics and law. He was an influential civic leader whose campaigns for mayor inspired generations of African American leaders. Bowser was widely recognized as a force in civic life and mentor to legions of political leaders. Credited with being the major architect of Black empowerment and although unsuccessful in his bids for Mayor, both Philadelphia’s first and second Black mayors credited him for paving the way for their being elected.

Bowser was also a skilled attorney bringing litigation to end blackface in the Mummers parade and leading the investigation of the Move Bombings. Bowser retired from the practice of law in 2004 when he began dealing with the growing effects of Alzheimer’s. He  died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease in 2010.