Community organizer and activist presented with proclamation for her service

Buffalo, NY- At a full session of the Erie County Legislature, Chairwoman and District 2 Legislator April N.M. Baskin honored Ms. Franchelle Parker as her Citizen of the Month for February 2021. Ms. Parker was able to virtually accept her award via the Legislature’s Zoom meeting on February 18^th.

Franchelle Parker was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York and attended Buffalo State College after graduating from high school. She majored in Political Science and African American Studies. Franchelle used her interests in activism and music as a Ronald McNair scholar to present to organizations all over the country while also promoting her work and research on minimum drug sentencing laws. Parker completed her graduate education in Public Policy at the University at Albany.

Franchelle has served as the local political director for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, where she managed communication and community outreach for healthcare reform and other important member topics. She has also served on the board of the Western New York Area Labor Federation (WNY-ALF), Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and President for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. She is also a volunteer with the Buffalo Almunae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority that works to create pathways to college for Black and minority youth across Western New York. As the current Executive Director of Open Buffalo, Franchelle continues her dedication to promoting racial, economic, and ecological justice by inspiring young leaders across the City of Buffalo.

“I was honored to be able to present my friend, Franchelle Parker, with this proclamation commemorating all of her good work. As a strong black woman and mother, I know she is a true role model for her community and for all those she fights for, representing many essential workers throughout this crisis. Franchelle is a true asset to the City of Buffalo,” stated Legislator Baskin.

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