WHEREAS, Black culture runs deep among Philadelphia’s historic sites, artistic havens, cultural offerings-and in Philadelphia’s many Black-owned shops, restaurants, and other businesses; and
WHEREAS, These businesses provide local jobs, goods, services, and amenities in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, including historically disadvantaged communities; and
WHEREAS, Historical structural inequities and systemic racism have presented barriers for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and small business owners to open, operate, and grow; and
WHEREAS, Though the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted many small businesses, Black-owned businesses are disproportionately at risk of closure during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated at least 40 percent of Black-owned businesses nationally have closed due to the pandemic-induced recession-nearly twice the rate of closure of other businesses; and
WHEREAS, In Greater Philadelphia, a 40 percent attrition rate among Black-owned businesses would equate to a loss of 1,135 firms, $993 million in regional revenue, 12,735 jobs, and $345 million in wages; and
WHEREAS, VISIT PHILADELPHIA, the tourism marketing organization, is kicking off the holiday season with dedicated marketing efforts to support the economic recovery and growth of local Black- and Brown-owned businesses in the wake of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, The 2021 holiday season is a critical period for the economic health of small businesses, and an opportunity for residents and visitors to strengthen Philadelphia communities by shopping with Black- and Brown-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes that the promotion of Philadelphia small businesses is necessary to increase consumer sales, and, critically, support the jobs, revenue, and economic impact generated by these important community anchors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby declares each Friday in December of 2021 as “Shop Black Business Friday” in the City of Philadelphia.
End