A ‘majority-minority’ city, Philadelphia is racially and ethnically diverse, with African Americans comprising 44% of the population, followed by Whites at 35%, people of Hispanic or Latino origin at 14%, Asians at 7%, and other diverse groups comprising a small percentage of the remaining population. Like many other cities, however, the past and present socioeconomic realities among Philadelphians from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds demonstrate the lingering effects of structural and implicit racism. These historical barriers and present-day inequitable outcomes require the City’s continued acknowledgement of racial disparities and a sustained commitment to devising actionable solutions that focus on addressing them in a systemic and transformative manner.
Racial Equity Vision Statement:
“The City of Philadelphia is committed to building a government that mirrors, throughout its breadth and hierarchy, the diversity of its community, instills principles of racial equity in its policies, and that leverages opportunities for people of color in order to create equitable outcomes for all Philadelphians. As a unified community, we will face and dismantle the institutional and structural barriers that have held back many of our racially and ethnically diverse residents for far too long. The government and community, as partners, are dedicated to putting in place bold and courageous policies and practices that will permanently eliminate racial disparities, transform the City into a more racially equitable environment, and achieve social progress in promoting opportunities so that every Philadelphian thrives.”
Philadelphia is a member of the Racial Equity Here cohort. Racial Equity Here is a national movement of government leaders working to dismantle institutional racism, eliminate racial disparities and improve outcomes for all. Despite the fact that equality and justice are commonly held values in our nation, historically the benefits associated with these values have not been extended to all. Our government laws and practices created and continue to maintain racial inequities across all life indicators. Government leaders — in partnership with the communities they serve, especially those most impacted by racial inequities — must now transform government to proactively advance racial equity.