ABOVE PHOTO: The panel of mayors address audience members during a session at the African American Museum of Philadelphia. From left: moderator Larry Platt, from the Philadelphia Citizen newspaper, former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed, Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, NJ; and former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter. Photo: Rejean Wilson
By Constance Garcia-Barrio
Energy and expectations ran high at the 3rd Annual National Convening of Black Mayors, hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) of PA, NJ, and DE, from May 23 to 24. The opening reception took place at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP) against the backdrop of Black art and history. The gathering, which focused on African American entrepreneurship, included 11 Black mayors and former mayors.
Regina Hairston, president, and CEO of AACC said that she was “… thrilled to partner with 6abc to bring national attention to the issues and opportunities facing Black-owned businesses.”
“This event provides an important platform for Black mayors and leaders from across the country to discuss shared concerns,” Harrison said.
TD Bank, 6abc, AAMP, Philadelphia Citizen, AT&T, Rivers Casino, and Team Clean sponsored the event.
Waylyn Hobbs Jr., mayor of Hempstead, New York, seemed buoyed by the chance to pool approaches to similar problems like underfunding cities, urban blight, and violence.
“This convening provides a forum for us to share information and learn what works,” Hobbs said.
For Darren Burrell, mayor of Darby, PA, pressing concerns hinged on money. Economic development and quality jobs lead the list of priorities, according to Burrell.
“That involves development and local contractors,” Burrell said. “We don’t have big city purchasing power,” he said, of the Delaware County borough of 10,700 residents.” On the other hand, Burrell spoke with enthusiasm about a planned apartment building that will have 100 units.
Judy Ward, mayor of Pleasantville, NJ, a city of about 20,000 residents, also cited economic concerns.
“The budget is the biggest challenge,” said Ward, who served on Pleasantville’s city council for many years before becoming mayor.. “Do you raise taxes, or do you release some employees?”
A $30-million project is helping to brighten the outlook, she said.
In the future, Ward, who is also a former high school teacher, hopes that an alternative school where trades are taught will offer options for the young people of Pleasantville.
Derek Slaughter, mayor of Williamsport, Pa., mentioned a different challenge.
“Some people act as if [the election of a Black mayor] is a fluke,” Slaughter said. “We’re always having to prove ourselves. It adds another layer to our work, but I like the challenge.”
Besides the mayors themselves, members of their staffs as well as representatives of business and other government officials — U.S. Sen. John Fetterman put in a brief appearance — attended the convening. Karl Singleton, chief equity, and compliance officer with Harrisburg mayor Wanda Williams’ office, spoke of a common dilemma.
“Most mayors would name affordable housing as a key issue,” said Singleton, who makes sure that city contracts meet diversity requirements.
Former Philadelphia City Councilmember Derek Green attended the reception.
“I’m here to support the African American Chamber of Commerce,” Green said. “Mayors from different parts of the country are here. It’s important for them to see what we’re doing here, and we also have a chance to learn from them.”
Jameel Worthy, founder and general manager of Steadfast Entities LLC, a company that rents heavy equipment, valued the networking at the event.
“I’m a Philadelphian,” he said. “I want to connect with people, and this convening is an excellent way to do it.”
Besides creating more Black businesses, Worthy advocates for changes in education.
“We need more schools that provide technical training so we can offer jobs to people who are ready for them,” he said.
Attendee Romier Williams found promise in the large number of people at the reception.
“There’s a lot of volume at this event,” he said. “It’s a good place to get your message across.”
Williams said that he wants to bring more attention to mental healthcare in the Black community.
“A lot of Black men are told that whatever is happening, we should deal with it, bottle it up,” Williams said. “That’s unhealthy. Men need to know about resources.”
Williams would also like to bring mental health awareness into schools.
“It’s important to get into schools to talk with children as early as third or fourth grade about mental health,” he said.
Historian Michael White, president of the Black Docents’ Collective — a group of historians that seek “to educate, empower, and health” Philly’s Black community by celebrating its history — stressed history and culture. White sought networking opportunities to talk up the Collective’s new Black history walking tour.
“We need to develop not only entrepreneurship, but more cultural awareness,” White said. “This event is a chance to expand the conversation to include awareness of history and culture as a way to strengthen and inspire the community. I’m here for advocacy.”
Networking was followed by a panel of current and former Black mayors. Larry Platt, founder of the Philadelphia Citizen, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages civic engagement, served as moderator.
Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, NJ, spoke of contracts and incentives that stoked Newark’s economy. Former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter emphasized that mayors had to roll up their sleeves.
“No one’s ever made a speech that removed snow,” Nutter said. He also stressed the need to decide on a plan and follow it.
“There will always be naysayers,” he said. “That’s their job, but you just keep moving.”
Dr. Ashley Jordan, president, and CEO of AAMP summed up the sentiments.
“It takes all of us to get this work done,” she said.
The Mayors’ Roundtable discussion was that was held on May 24 at 6abc studios is scheduled to be broadcast later.
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