The Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement’s (OPE) Black + Gold Series, focuses on building cross-racial conversations and dialogue to promote cooperation and mutual understanding. OPE curates events, activities and conversations, as well as partnering with community-based organizations and institutions to highlight efforts to bridge together Black and Asian communities in Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia, and in many metro regions around the country, we have experienced the spark of growth and diversification of our residents. Economic concerns have plagued many communities across our city, and some might say that tensions are running high. Violence has been an ongoing concern, and we know that this has been a painful point for our city. Collective grief and trauma are both by-products of the pandemic, as well as underlying conditions that contribute to challenges in our communities.

OPE’s conversations with diverse communities and City leaders have all pointed to the fact that in our City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, there is much more work we must do to bridge divides and create opportunities for healing. The SEPTA incident that took place on November 17, 2021, involving African American and Asian American teenagers illuminated this need.

We believe that through ongoing, intentional, participatory engagement, we can work towards unity and healing. We acknowledge this vision is both bold and necessary.

Take Action

OPE invites community leaders and organizations to submit their ideas for programs that can create dialog and unity across Asian and Black communities in specific neighborhoods, schools, community centers, or virtually. OPE will share a calendar of events and promote Black + Gold Series activities through our weekly newsletter and social media channels.