Reclaim Philadelphia Stands with Chinatown

Reclaim Philadelphia stands united with the Save Chinatown Coalition in opposing the construction of the 76ers Arena in Philadelphia’s historic Chinatown. For more than a century, Chinatown has been so much more than a business district—it’s a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood, home to families, workers, and generations of Philadelphians. Its rich cultural fabric is part of our city’s soul, and we won’t allow it to be torn apart.

The same real estate, development, and political interests that are seeking to dismantle Chinatown have profited for decades from displacing working class neighborhoods. While historically Black and brown communities have borne the brunt of this, white working class and AAPI neighborhoods haven’t escaped gentrification either. The generational residents of the Black Bottom, Graduate Hospital, Fishtown,  Brewerytown, and Chinatown have all suffered. 

These same wealthy interests are now pushing union workers to the front to do their bidding, but we plainly see this for what it is: a cynical attempt to pit Black and Brown communities against Chinatown with the false narrative of “jobs vs. community” when, in truth, the only thing they care about is profit. There is nothing about this process worth trusting. 

We reject this division. We support development, but development that actually serves the people—not just wealthy developers, corporate landlords, and big business. The truth is, there are plenty of jobs to be had building the things our communities actually need.  Let’s build deeply affordable housing for families priced out by gentrification. Let’s build schools, restore recreation centers, and invest in our neighborhoods. These are union jobs too—jobs that will uplift workers while ensuring our neighbors have a decent, affordable place to live and thrive in this city. 

We need a mayor who unites us around these major challenges, not a Mayor who’s willing to stoke division and sacrifice some of us for the private profits of the few.  

Philadelphia is mired in a crisis of housing affordability, and displacing a vibrant community like Chinatown to build a stadium will only make it worse. There are better options for where to build an arena, including South Philadelphia which clearly already has the transportation and parking infrastructure or on open land along the Delaware River. No communities need be harmed.  

Reclaim Philadelphia remains a proud supporter of organized labor, and we stand firm in our belief that all new construction should be built by Union workers. But we will not allow our city’s leadership to divide working-class people along racial lines for the benefit of the powerful. Together, as a multi-racial, working class coalition, we demand a future where development serves the people and the long term sustainability of our city, not just the short term interests of billionaires.  

This fight is not over! In fact, it’s just beginning!! Mayor Parker is just one person. She has refused to meet with or visit Chinatown. Her endorsement of a project that would destroy Chinatown, block access to hospitals, and create traffic chaos in Center City is beyond reckless. Philly has spoken: 69% oppose the project. We will fight this and we will go to the mat. It’s on!

Don’t get mad. Take action. Call Mark Squilla 215-686-3458 and Nina Ahmad 215-686-3450 and tell them their legacy is on the line. This fight is FAR from over

#SaveChinatown #ReclaimPhiladelphia #CommunityOverProfit #UnionStrong #AffordableHousingNow #ProtectOurNeighborhoods