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Civil_Peak t1_jdfy8yv wrote

Reply to comment by Cobey1 in Black clergy and businesspeople support Sixers arena proposal by dc122186

> Why do they support the arena?

besides the public "Forty percent of the food, drink and concessions operations in the arena will be run by African American businesses", I wouldn't be surprised that the people that endorsing this is getting some sort of enticement. Plus, are any of these people directly impacted, I see a Pastor for a West Philly Church (that construction must be big if a church in West Philly is affected).

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Cobey1 t1_jdg0i40 wrote

I get the 40% for vendors stuff, but why is the Black Clergy getting involved? That is very weird to me and makes me skeptical about what is being said behind closed doors. To me, idk why any leader of any faith would get involved in a debacle about the location of a sports arena. They could be advocating for more affordable housing, cheaper public transit fares, public ed, etc, not the construction of a sports complex. That itself rings red flags 🚩

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Civil_Peak t1_jdg25mq wrote

clergy is how people get things done. When a politican wants to get elected one of the people he convinces is your local clergy so that clergy member can advocate for you. It the same thing with projectors. You might say "did you hear Pastor so-so talk about how great that new project would be for our community".

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msbfromthep t1_jdi331i wrote

Hmm as a person of Faith and a black woman, I agree with you. There are many others things, that the black clergy and business persons should be focused on. I get wanting to help “minority” trade workers with contracts but this is one the BC/business people can sit out!

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UndercoverPhilly t1_jdjyw5u wrote

Disclaimer: Pay Wall. Maybe these questions are answered in the article: Where are all these African American businesses in the Fashion District? Why would they be in the stadium when they aren't in the area now? I don't see many in Reading Terminal Market either. What makes this proposed stadium more likely? Will the rent be less? And when will it be ready? Not in a year, so I don't think they even know what vendors will be in it.

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