PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the city awaits final approval for a 76ers arena to be built in Center City, one organization is hopeful the deal goes off without a hitch, as they say it would bring tremendous opportunities for Black-owned businesses.
African American Chamber of Commerce President Regina Hairston says historically, when a developer wants their support on something, it is not until after all the deals are made, “the ribbon cutting is coming, and you want us to be in the photo.”
So when the Sixers approached them two years ago asking for support, it felt significant.
“If you're going to get our support, then we have to deliver something to our members, and we have to deliver something to the City of Philadelphia, and we have to deliver something to the African American Chamber of Commerce. This did all three,” Hairston said.
She says she’s traveled the country and visited several stadiums, and what was lacking in all of them was a proliferation of Black businesses being represented.
“This gives an opportunity for us to introduce Black concessionaires at this stadium, and it's on the front end. What I've seen in other stadiums, it is around inclusivity, making sure that they're included, but there's no equity. It's an afterthought,” she said.
Hairston says right now there are about 40 concessioners that would be ready to go on day one if the arena is approved and all parties keep their commitments.
In August, an impact report on 76 Place in Chinatown found grave consequences for the community — car congestion, gentrification, and the loss of cultural identity as small, ethnic-owned businesses move away.
The report also showed that one-fifth of all small businesses in Chinatown stood to benefit from the arena’s presence, but half of them would be negatively impacted.
In late November, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the arena would create new jobs and $700 million in new tax revenue for the city and the school district.