PHILADELPHIA, PA — State Senator Art Haywood (D-4) has released a report detailing ten key recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life for black Pennsylvanians. This comes a year after his comprehensive State of Black PA report, which outlined the experiences of black residents in the Commonwealth over the decade from 2011 to 2021.
The new report’s unveiling took place at the Johnson House in Germantown, a historic site along the Underground Railroad and a longstanding hub for social justice. The location underscored the significance of the report’s intent to bring about meaningful change and progress for black communities in Pennsylvania.
Joining Senator Haywood for the announcement were several influential figures, including Senator Vincent Hughes (D-7), Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, Catherine Hicks, President of the Philadelphia NAACP Branch, Dr. Darrien Anderson, President and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia, and Anthony Luker, representing Governor Shapiro’s administration.
The recommendations serve as a roadmap for action, focusing on crucial areas such as education, housing, and economic prosperity. The goal is to turn the tide on systemic inequities that have long affected black Pennsylvanians and build a more equitable future.
“We’re here not to dwell on the negative but to focus on concrete ways to make the next ten years better for black Pennsylvanians than the last decade,” said Senator Haywood. “These recommendations are a starting point for crafting actions to better the lives of black communities across PA.”
The report is expected to be a valuable resource for lawmakers, policymakers, and community leaders, informing legislation and policy development aimed at uplifting the black community. The spirit of collaboration was evident at the event, with participants stressing the importance of a collective commitment to change.
“It’s on all of us to seize this moment and make a tangible impact for our community,” said Senator Hughes. “There’s a lot of things going in the right direction, but we can’t walk away from this conversation. We need to make resources available to black Pennsylvanians.”
NAACP Philadelphia President Catherine Hicks echoed these sentiments, adding, “The time is now to implement new strategies and options to ensure economic and generational wealth for black families, who continue to be the most marginalized in society.”
As Pennsylvania continues to observe Black History Month, this report serves as a timely reminder of the ongoing need to address disparities and work toward justice, equity, and opportunity for black Americans and all marginalized communities.
For those interested in learning more about the State of Black PA Report and its follow-up recommendations, the full reports are available on Senator Haywood’s website. This marks a significant step towards addressing racial disparities in Pennsylvania and emphasizes the state’s commitment to advancing racial justice and equality. The coming months and years will undoubtedly see these recommendations put to the test as they are translated into meaningful actions that positively impact the lives of black Pennsylvanians.
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