Recent events have compelled the board of East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) to reiterate where we stand. Black lives matter.
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District condemns any prejudiced or racist statements. When anyone associated with the Avenue publicly makes ignorant and racist comments, it has a destructive impact on our community at large and on our efforts to build a business corridor that reflects the vibrant diversity of Philadelphia.
We hope that our actions moving forward will speak louder than our words, as our organization works on the following:
- EPABID will host training sessions for our business owners on implicit bias and diversity.
- We will make a concerted effort to continue to add board members who reflect the diverse neighborhood we love and enjoy.
- We are forming a working group to address the need for increasing and retaining minority owned businesses, and adding the voices of individuals from diverse backgrounds to all that we do.
This is a humble and admittedly overdue beginning and we welcome input on how we can continue to support and grow our business community.
In the face of hatred, we will continue to stand with our minority friends, colleagues, neighbors and business owners.
Signed,
Pam Zenzola – Board Chair
Nancy Melchiore – Board Secretary
Michael Giangiordano Jr. – Board Treasurer
Councilman Mark Squilla – Board Member
Adam Geer – Board Member
Julia Grassi – Board Member
Anthony Magueri – Board Member
Pete Spina – Board Member
Rachel Street – Board Member
Lee Styer – Board Member
Adam Leiter – Executive Director
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