76 Place to bring opportunities for Black businesses [Video]

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the city awaits final approval for a 76ers arena to be built in Center City, one organization is hopeful the deal goes off without a hitch, as they say it would bring tremendous opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

African American Chamber of Commerce President Regina Hairston says historically, when a developer wants their support on something, it is not until after all the deals are made, “the ribbon cutting is coming, and you want us to be in the photo.”

So when the Sixers approached them two years ago asking for support, it felt significant.

“If you’re going to get our support, then we have to deliver something to our members, and we have to deliver something to the City of Philadelphia, and we have to deliver something to the African American Chamber of Commerce. This did all three,” Hairston said.

She says she’s traveled the country and visited several stadiums, and what was lacking in …