A Message from PIDC About Current Events

by PIDCphila
June 2, 2020

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To our PIDC clients, partners, and friends,

In the past few days, millions of people have raised a massive collective response to the ongoing issues of unequal justice and racism sparked by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others over years of injustice. At PIDC, we are keenly aware that racism and inequality extends throughout our economic systems and the detrimental multi-generational impacts they cause for communities of color, particularly African Americans. We also know that due to systemic racism, economic inequities, and health disparities the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately negatively impacted black and brown people in Philadelphia and across the country. PIDC stands in solidarity against racism, bigotry, and violence in any form. We support our diverse businesses, clients, partners, neighborhoods, and communities—today and always.

Here in Philadelphia, there have been peaceful protests, but also violence and vandalism. This will likely make it even harder for many of our small businesses and commercial corridors to successfully reopen when added to the devastation caused by COVID-19 business closures. In the Great Recession of 2008, more than twice the number of minority-owned businesses closed as compared to white-owned businesses. Please know that we at PIDC are committed to doing all that is in our power to drive an equitable economic recovery in Philadelphia for all people, businesses, and communities.

We recognize that we are experiencing an overwhelming and extremely challenging period in our country and in our city, with both a global public health crisis and societal turmoil. In this time of uncertainty, we are reaching out to check in with you and assure you we are open for business and available to support our many clients, partners, and friends. We are listening and willing to talk about the issues affecting your business and your community. You can count on PIDC to support you through this time and to stand in solidarity to fight for equity and economic justice.

Sincerely,

PIDC

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