“We are forever grateful for her dedication to Baltimore”
Baltimore lost a champion for equality and a longtime fixture in Baltimore politics with the passing of beloved former City Council President Mary Pat Clarke. Surrounded by family, Clarke, 83, died Sunday, November 10, 2024 after a brief illness.
Clarke’s political career spanned over 32 years, and she held the distinction of becoming the first woman to serve as President of the Baltimore City Council. The trailblazing Clarke is credited for helping to pave the way for women to enter Baltimore’s political arena – and winning.
She championed fair and equitable housing – even sleeping overnight in the crime-plagued Lexington Terrace public housing project in 1993 to shed the spotlight on its deplorable living conditions, joining in solidarity with its residents who voted on a rent strike.
Clarke is being remembered as one who unselfishly gave of herself time and time again when it came to fighting for the citizens of Baltimore.
“I learned so much from her about helping people, especially those in deep need,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said in a statement posted on X. “Anywhere you go in this city, there is someone with a story about how Mary Pat helped them. Whether it be a water bill issue, getting their street plowed during a blizzard, or helping a child get to college whenever a Baltimorean was in need, she was there.”
Senator Cory V. McCray represents Baltimore’s 45th District.
“Mary Pat Clarke poured into me, not just with words, but also with actions. I can remember walking through the alleys on Normal Avenue, Clifton Avenue, and other places. She was always right there with us doing the hard work, doing the gritty work, doing the dirty work. Baltimore City was also the first in the country to pass a living wage. That was Mary Pat Clarke.”
Senator McCray said he and Clarke would have lunch and dinner together, during which time she would share the history of East Baltimore.
“Her stories of the Clarke-Dalton ticket and her role in electing the first Black state senator in East Baltimore served as reminders of the power of commitment to community,” said Senator McCray. “I am proud to have known her, and I strive to embody the example she set for all of us who follow. We are forever grateful for her dedication to Baltimore and her unwavering belief in a better future for all.”
Photo Credit: Ursula V. Battle
A native of Providence, Rhode Island, Clarke earned her undergraduate degree from Immaculata College in 1963 and her M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. A teacher by profession, she taught at the Johns Hopkins University School of Professional Studies, the Maryland Institute College of Art and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Clarke was first elected to represent the 2nd District in 1975, serving until 1983. She would go on to serve as Baltimore City Council President from 1987 until 1995. She served on numerous Baltimore City Council committees including the Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Committee, Land Use and Transportation Committee, and Labor Committee.
Councilwoman Odette Ramos represents District 14, where Clarke served from 2004 until her retirement in 2020.
“Everyone in Baltimore City has their story of their relationship with Councilwoman or Council President Clarke,” said Councilwoman Ramos in an issued statement. “Residents still remember when she helped family members, slept for two nights at one of the derelict public housing projects, and fought for every neighborhood.”
Dr. Joanne Martin, Co-founder of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum (GBIW) located at 1601-1603 E. North Avenue with her husband, the late Dr. Elmer Martin.
“Mary Pat Clarke paid attention to and was very aware of what was going on at the museum,” said Dr. Martin. “She invited us to go before the City Council to talk about what we were trying to do on North Avenue and why we should be supported. She showed her support in a number of ways.”
She added, “She cared about Baltimore and understood that you could not have some neighborhoods that were thriving and others going underwater. She truly understood that if Baltimore was going to be all that it could be, it had to involve all of its people.”
Here are the details for her funeral:
Saturday, November 23rd, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen
5200 N. Charles Street
Reception to follow immediately after the Mass