Charles Bowser Dead at 80; Served Many Civic Roles

KYW Newsradio Team Coverage --

Charles Bowser, a trailblazer in Philadelphia's African-American political community, has died at age 80.

KYW's Mike Dunn reports that Bowser, an attorney and activist through the 1960s and 1970s, ran twice for mayor in the '70s  and served as a deputy mayor in the late '60s under James Tate.

In 1979 Bowser battled William Green for the Democratic nomination for mayor, and though he lost, Bowser's challenge is believed to have prompted Green to choose for the first time an African-American as managing director.

Green chose Wilson Goode, and Goode used that post to eventually succeed Green as mayor.

City councilman Darrell Clarke says Bowser mentored many African-American politicians:

"We now have the first African-American president of the United States.  And I think you have to look at the Charlie Bowsers of the world to get a sense of how people realized they can achieve the most lofty goals in life."

Former mayor Bill Green issued the following statement:

"Charlie was a fighter—willful, determined, and strong. He brought an Olympian heart to the struggle for a more just society. We shared a common conscience with each having a personal vision of how to get where we both knew we had to go. In the last few years, on several occasions, I visited with him to wish him well. His family and friends have our heartfelt sympathy, as well as our thoughts and prayers."

And Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell had this to say about Bowser's passing:

"He was definitely not afraid to stand up, wasn't afraid to lead. He was inside the system and outside at once. He will long be remembered as part of the historical fiber of the black community, and of city history, and one that will live on forever."

KYW's Jim Melwert reports that Bowser was executive director of the Philadelphia Urban Coalition from 1968 to 1975, and served on many committees looking into judicial reform and charter reform.

He was also on the commission that investigated the MOVE siege.  He later wrote a book about the event titled Let the Bunker Burn.

Mayor Michael Nutter called Bowser "a great man and a friend to many."  He added, "We would not be the great city that we are but for Charlie's influence, insight, and personal strength."

Details of funeral services were not immediately announced.