Mitchell Wesley Melton served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1969– 1972. He represented the 196t District, which includes Philadelphia County, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Melton was born on April 6, 1943 in Philadelphia. He attended Thomas A. Edison High School and the Pennsylvania Institute of Criminology receiving a diploma and certificate respectively. Before his time in The House of Representatives, Melton was active in his local community as a member of the Junior Steward Board, Morris Brown A.M.E Church. Additionally he was a member of Project IN (Interested Negroes, Inc.) and served as Cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 542 beginning in 1963 and continues to serve in this capacity. Professionally held position as an Insurance Broker, was an active member of the Philadelphia Junior Chamber of Commerce from 1967-1968 and Democratic Committee Member of the 32^nd Ward, Philadelphia. During his time in the House of Representatives, Melton served on the Labor Relations Committee 1969-1972, the Law and Order Committee 1969-1970, the Ways and Means Committee 1969-1970, the Education Committee 1971-1972 and the Transportation Safety Committee 1971-1972.� Being elected under the umbrella of the Democratic Party, he sought for and gained recognition for the young, elderly and disabled within his District. Melton also fought for the recognition of Negro Legislators within the House of Representatives as equal and participatory members. He also founded the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) to help further the advancement of equal participation within the House of Representatives. There has been controversy which still exists as to whom the founding members of this Caucus were and Mr. Melton continues to campaign in order to keep the history correct. He also claims that while in service as a member of the PLBC that a clear majority of the Bills that he introduced actually became law, which far outpaced any other member during his tenure. While in office Mr. Melton was published in the American Journal of Pharmacy writing about the “Impact of Legislation upon Drug Abuse.” After leaving the House, Mr. Melton continued his civic duties in capacities that included serving as Judicial Tip Staff to Judge Levan Gordan, General Tip Staff for the Family Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania and as a member of the local Town Watch Committee. Mr. Melton passed away March 11, 2013 in Philadelphia.

Note written by RLR