On the recordFebruary 26, 2018
I rise today to commemorate Black History Month and to pay tribute to a Pennsylvanian who has dedicated her life to public service. Today, we honor former Philadelphia councilwoman Marian Benton Tasco, whose 50-year career in public service has improved the lives of countless people in our State. Throughout her career, Marian Tasco consistently fought for the people of her community. From her first days as a typist working in the city of Philadelphia to the end of her seventh term serving on the city council, Marian Tasco's life has been dedicated to helping people. Today we celebrate Marian's commitment to public service. Born during the days of segregation in Greensboro, NC, Marian Tasco was joyfully raised through the love and care of her mother, Mazie Benton; her great-grandmother, Susie Short; and her grandparents, Alice and Thomas Benton. At an early age, Marian expressed an interest in community service through volunteer activities with the Brownies and Girl Scouts of America. Even as a child, Marian Tasco was inspired to help others. It was at this point in her life that Marian imagined that she would go on to become an educator. With that goal in mind, she began her education at Bennett College, a historically Black liberal arts college for women, which is located in Greensboro. Marian worked during the summers to pay for her tuition. After 2 years, Marian had to leave Bennett when she could no longer afford to pay the cost of tuition.…





