Bowser, at the MOVE commission
Charles Bowser, a widely respected African-American civic figure in the city, has died. He was 80. Details of his death and funeral arrangements hadn’t emerged yesterday. State Sen. Anthony Williams emotionally recounted Bowser as a friendly rival of his father, Hardy Williams.
“It’s a tremendous loss to our city and state. He had many intellectual gifts,” Williams said, noting that it was “very painful” to hear since his father, with whom Bowers was a friendly rival, died eight months ago.
An Army veteran and attorney, Bowser served as deputy mayor and on the MOVE Commission. He ran for mayor twice unsuccessfully. Williams said that the trail blazed by his father, Bowser and others made it possible for Wilson Goode to become the first African-American elected mayor of Philadelphia.
Here’s what John Street, who Bowser’s trailblazing enabled to become the second black mayor, emailed back from vacation in Hawaii …
“Mr. Bowser was a political pioneer whose contribution to Philadelphia black political empowerment is unsurpassed and maybe unparalleled. He was a brilliant attorney; a compassionate advocate and a political genius. It’s the city’s loss that he never served as it’s mayor. He formed an independent political party that beat the Republican party in a general election.
He leaves a legacy of service and commitment to his country, city, community, and family that will stand as a role model and challenge for years to come.
Mr. Bowser was an important influence in my life which was critical in my decision to seek public office. Knowing him convinced me that I did not have to compromise my concern for the poor and black community to win high office. He was right.”