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In mournful celebration, we remember the legacy and life of Shirley Kitchen. As the second Black woman elected to the Pennsylvania Senate, she opened pathways for other Black elected officials and people of color.

whyy.orgTrailblazing Pa. state legislator Shirley Kitchen dies at 79Kitchen, who became the second Black woman elected to the Pennsylvania state Senate, leaves behind a legacy of public service, mentorship and advocacy.

6/7/26, 9:50 pm3 reposts5 likes

Senator Nikil Saval

@pasenatorsaval.com

6 July

She leaves behind a legacy as a fighter and trailblazer. Throughout her career, from social work to the state Senate, she never wavered from her commitment to the dignity of all people and for their needs to be fully met.

Senator Nikil Saval

@pasenatorsaval.com

6 July

I’m honored to have known her, and we all owe so much to her for the path she helped carve out in the fight for a better world. My heart is with her and all who loved her. May she rest in power. ✊🏾