Pennsylvania SR 354: A Resolution honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1890
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 354
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY STREET, BOSCOLA, CAPPELLETTI, COLLETT, COMITTA,
COSTA, FLYNN, FONTANA, HAYWOOD, HUGHES, KANE, KEARNEY, KIM,
MALONE, MILLER, MUTH, PISCIOTTANO, SANTARSIERO, SAVAL,
SCHWANK, TARTAGLIONE, A. WILLIAMS AND L. WILLIAMS,
JULY 12, 2026
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, JULY 12, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and expressing condolences on the passing of
former State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen.
WHEREAS, Shirley M. Kitchen was born September 18, 1946, in
Augusta, Georgia, to Ferman and Ruth Few and was raised in
Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was educated in Philadelphia public
schools and graduated from Antioch College in 1979 with a
bachelor's degree in human services; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen later completed advanced studies at
Temple University in child care, behavior modification and
economic development; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen's career in politics began as a poll
worker in 1970 and later as a social worker for the City of
Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, a Philadelphia city councilman hired
Senator Kitchen as Director of Constituent Services, a position
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she held until she entered elected office through a 1987 special
election for the 181st Pennsylvania State House district; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was later elected to succeed Roxanne
Jones, the first African-American woman elected to the
Pennsylvania Senate, in a special election in 1996, and served
the citizens of Philadelphia for 20 years fighting to expand
access to health care, create affordable housing opportunities
and improve the lives of low-income Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen was a constant force of change for
her community as an organizer and activist; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen served as the leader of the 20th
Ward Democratic Executive Committee, as well as a member of the
Democratic State Committee from 2001 to 2006; and
WHEREAS, Senator Kitchen passed away in her home on July 5,
2026, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of championing
working Philadelphians and inspiring and mentoring those around
her to be dedicated stewards to their communities; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate honor the life and express
condolences on the passing of former State Senator Shirley M.
Kitchen.
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