Over the last several days, many local organizations have posted public statements or messages reflecting on the protests and civil unrest in the city and on the issue of systemic racism, and showing their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We’re posting some of them below. Some of these messages include information on how you can help the local Black community and businesses in the aftermath of the recent events and also educational resources for non-Black individuals and families.

People’s Emergency Center (PEC):

“As we surveyed the damage of the weekend’s unrest in our neighborhoods, we shared a deep sense of sadness for business owners, community residents, and others who have invested so much to ensure access to vibrant commercial corridors to meet the needs of residents. And though it will take time and money, we believe the damage done to businesses can and will be repaired somewhat easily. 

What will be much more difficult to repair is the underlying cause of the unrest. The centuries old feelings of oppression, disempowerment, and marginalization of black and brown people caused by both explicit and systemic racism that is deeply embedded in our history and our culture. This system must be dismantled.

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI), serve families and youth experiencing homelessness and communities of color who are disproportionately affected by poverty, health disparities, and other challenges which are often exacerbated by ineffective policies and systems which are meant to help them. While there is often focus placed on the challenges faced by communities of color, we see the strength, tenacity, and resilience. We certainly don’t profess to have all of the answers, but we are committed to doing more— to create a more equitable community for all, and to being better allies.

We invite you to join us in the fight against hate, racism, and implicit bias through advocacy and responding against overt and covert racism you see and hear every day. We understand these conversations can be difficult, and uncomfortable – but it is crucial that you have them anyway…

Today, we are sad. We are angry. We are fearful. But we cannot let anger and violence overpower the importance of our collective message: Black Lives Matter. We must remain resolute in our message and channel our frustration and anger into productive discourse for change.

To the communities of color we serve: We are here. We see you. We hear you. We support you. We honor your resilience. We commit to raising our voices in support of you and channeling our efforts to ensure a more just and equitable future for all.

Below are links to resources which can help. Change starts with us.”

What is Systemic Racism?
Anti-Racism Resources for White People
Social Justice Resources from The Children’s Community School in Philadelphia
Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race
Resource List from Education for Racial Equity

The Enterprise Center (updated):

“The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation is deeply saddened by what has happened on 52nd Street and in other neighborhoods around the city. We understand the frustration regarding police brutality and the death of George Floyd, and we stand with those fighting inequality. We also believe in the power of community to rebuild in difficult times.

We’re amazed by the community support and donations received thus far.

We plan to quickly get an initial infusion of money to all small businesses on 52nd Street impacted by looting and/or property damage, then strategically assess what businesses and/or cleanup efforts may need additional support as donations continue to come in.

If you would like to donate towards our ongoing efforts to aid our 52nd St. Corridor businesses in rebuilding and regrouping, you can do so [here].

If you would like to be informed about opportunities to support our work on 52nd Street, sign up [here].”

University City District:

“Since our founding in the late 90s, University City District’s work has involved partnerships—with the anchor organizations that operate in our district, with the eclectic local businesses that offer us essential goods and services, with the arts organizations and non-profits that operate within our borders, with neighbors who have struggled for equal access to job opportunities, with local law enforcement and public safety organizations, and with the incredibly diverse community that calls our neighborhood home…

Now we need a common solution to the tragedy of racial injustice, the injustice that is at the root of the senseless murder of George Floyd and too many others. We at UCD do not have the answers on the best ways to move forward, but we are committed to doing our part to remain an ally to the black community and continue building or rebuilding relationships. We pledge to listen closely to voices within our own staff; at our partner organizations; from our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative alumni; and in the neighborhood for guidance on how best to be a resource for black members of our community. We pledge to shine an even brighter light on the immense and transformative talents of our own essential workforce – our public maintenance, public safety, and Green City Works colleagues. We are committed to working side by side with small businesses owners, who help define the beautiful diversity of our community, on recovery and renewal in the weeks and months ahead. We promise to live our values and our words every day with deeds and actions, and to do better wherever we are falling short.

In this spirit of common respect and common destiny, UCD and our community at large will push forward through these difficult times. Together.”

The Woodlands:

“The Woodlands stands with Black Lives Matter. For far too long historic sites have glossed over hard to talk about or uncomfortable parts of their history. Over time, and across the US, permanence reveals itself as a form of privilege. The fact we are still here, and many African American historic sites and cemeteries across Philadelphia have been paved over or developed into luxury housing proves this point.

We commit to becoming better listeners, commit to elevating the history of POC in the creation and history of The Woodlands, commit to transparency and honesty about our history, commit to doing better research on our history, and commit to creating a space that is healing.”