AREA ORGANIZATIONS COME TOGETHER TO EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR PHILADELPHIA 76ERS DEVELOPMENT PLAN AT PENN’S LANDING
September 2, 2020
Project is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and unprecedented economic opportunity for Black and Brown Communities here
PHILADELPHIA – Sept. 1, 2020 – Four area organizations have come together today to express support for the Philadelphia 76ers’ transformative proposal to develop Penn’s Landing and create tens of thousands of jobs and unprecedented economic opportunities for the Black and Brown Communities.
The African American Chamber of Commerce, Urban League of Philadelphia, Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity collectively stated that Philadelphia cannot recover from this pandemic and economic crisis if it does not do so equitably. This project is a historic opportunity to do so and change the trajectory of the racial wealth and income gap, by unlocking a more prosperous future for our communities, the City, and the state of Pennsylvania as a whole.
At a crucial time for the residents of Philadelphia, the strategic proposal submitted by the 76ers would provide billions of dollars in net new revenue to the City and School District at a site that currently provides no tax revenue whatsoever. The project is the latest example of the 76ers making a significant investment in Philadelphia. HBSE, the 76ers parent company, announced in mid-August that it was making a $20 million commitment to address the long-term impacts of systemic racism.
“This proposal – which in addition to constructing a new, world-class arena would create schools, parks and museums for public use – follows a historic commitment from the 76ers to champion equality and fight systemic racism, showing that they continue to be leaders in our region for driving positive change in our communities,” said Reverend Robert Collier, President of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
The Coalition said today that they believe the Sixers’ proposal would also create thousands of new jobs and approximately $1 billion in minority hiring and contracting. It will also create jobs that a wide range of Philadelphians can take advantage of, including returning citizens and those without a college degree.
“It is clear that we as a country are becoming more serious about righting the wrongs of racial discrimination. It’s the responsibility of our City and its leaders to use projects such as Penn’s Landing as tools to continue to move in that direction and to do so with urgency – people’s livelihoods depend on it,” said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, President and CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition.
“We need new job creation and employment for black people to be lifted out of poverty in the city. I welcome this development,” said Andrea Custis, President and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia.
“We would enthusiastically welcome any project, such as the 76ers proposal, that provides these benefits to our communities and urge others to do the same,” said Steven Bradley, Chairman of the Board of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE.
Contact: Khalil Bullock, email: Kbullock@urbanleaguephila.org, phone: 215-406-4309
