Louise Bishop: A Powerful Voice for West Philadelphia
May 10, 2010
State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop is a Philadelphia community icon and broadcasting legend. For more than 50 years she has inspired, uplifted, and worked tirelessly for her constituents, her radio fans, and her neighbors. Born in Georgia, Louise moved to Philadelphia as a young child. After graduating from West Philadelphia High School, she earned a degree in communications and radio broadcasting from the American Foundation of Dramatic Arts.
Louise began her career as the youngest voice in radio at WHAT radio. Moving to WDAS-AM, she hosted "The Louise Bishop Program" for over 49 years - consistently one of the highest-rated programs at the station and an institution in the Philadelphia media market. Interspersing gospel music with her message of hope and inspiration, The Louise Bishop Program also tackled important community issues: housing, neighborhood re-investment, resources for poor and working families, unemployment and job creation.
Recognizing she could do even more for her community, Louise ran in 1988 for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 192nd District. She won by a landslide, and has since been overwhelmingly re-elected to office nine times by her constituents. Located in West Philadelphia, the 192nd District is a diverse area that encompasses some of Philadelphia's most affluent and poorest residents.
Since her election to public office, Representative Bishop has won the loyalty of her constituents by serving as a powerful voice in the legislature on their behalf. She has sponsored legislation to address a number of their critical issues, including domestic violence, children’s day care, mandatory drug treatment, improved resources for public education, and health care reform. She was a key supporter in the renovation of the Overbrook train station and the rejuvenation of the Lancaster Avenue business corridor.
If re-elected, Louise will continue to fight for discounted prescription drugs for Pennsylvania’s senior citizens, quality health care for all citizens, and community development. She is a nationally recognized leader in the fight against Sarcoidosis, a potentially debilitating disease which causes swelling of the lymph nodes and other tissues.
For her 50 years of dedicated service to the community, State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop has earned the respect of her peers, the loyalty of her constituents in the 192nd Legislative District, and the admiration of tens of thousands of her radio listeners.