| Rep. W. Curtis Thomas 181st Legislative District Philadelphia County |
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| Biography | |
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The Honorable W. Curtis Thomas is the state representative for the 181st Legislative District which includes North and North Central Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, Hunting Park, Logan, Feltonville, Kensington, and Nicetown-Tioga. He was born and raised and continues to live, work and worship in the District. Thomas is the proud father of twin boys and guardian of two nieces. He attended public schools in the district, graduating from Edison High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Temple University. He also received his Juris Doctorate from Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C. Thomas was a lead teacher in the Get Set Program, when he met the late Edwina Baker, who co-founded the Philadelphia Committee for Services to Youth. Thomas and the committee worked to end the city’s gang violence in the mid 70s. His involvement in this effort and a developing interest in the judicial system spurred him to continue his academic growth by pursuing, and successfully obtaining, a law degree from Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C. While there, he served as chair of the Black American Law Students Association. Upon his return to Pennsylvania, he became a law clerk for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He also continued his work in the North Philadelphia community by serving as chief executive officer of East Poplar NAC, founding the East Poplar Community Economic Development Corporation and serving as chair of the North Philadelphia Branch of the Consumers Education and Protection Association (CEPA). In 1988, Representative Thomas successfully ran for the 181st Legislative District seat. Since taking office in 1989, he has been quite effective in improving conditions in the community. Notable among his many accomplishments of the past 18 years are:
Providing quality, meaningful education has been a priority of Thomas' since graduating from Temple University. Since 1995, he has secured $1.5 million in state funding to support four partnerships he established in North Philadelphia high schools with business, government, social services and community organizations: the Constance Clayton Health Academy in William Penn High School; an information technology academy at Benjamin Franklin High School; a law and justice academy in Strawberry Mansion High School; and a robotics technology academy in Simon Gratz High School. In 1990, Thomas established the Annual 181st State Representative Awards that has recognized more than 250 students in the district’s schools for their academic excellence and community service. They have received U.S. Savings Bonds. Thomas has also provided 35 graduating seniors with personal computers through this award. In addition, he has supported community computer training programs by providing personal computers to six public housing developments to train residents. Through the years Thomas has held leadership positions in many organizations. He is a past third vice-president of the Philadelphia NAACP, a board member of Philadelphia High School Academies, Inc., and co-chair of the National Conference of State Legislators Internet Caucus. Thomas is a member of St. Phillips Baptist Church. He is an active member of several Masonic organizations including the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction, 33rd Degree, Scottish Rite Mason, DeMolay Consistory #1, Prince Hall Affiliation. Affiliations:
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