On July 21, 2022, the plans to build a new arena for the Philadelphia 76ers in the Chinatown area were first announced. Almost a year later, the fight against the implementation of the new arena intensified as marchers walked from 10th and Vine streets to City Hall in protest of the proposed threat to this historical and cultural district.
With musical performances and speeches, impassioned messages were given by dozens of people from the Philadelphia community, demonstrating the detriment a basketball arena would do to a district that is so beloved and vital. Here is a look at the march and its attendants from the protest on June 10.
Debbie Wei, founding member of Asian Americans United, gave a speech prior to the march.
The arena hasn’t been the only proposed project within the Chinatown community: previous propositions have included a Phillies stadium in 2000 and a casino in 2008. Signs carried and shirts worn by participants expressed the importance of protecting the district from invasive projects such as these.
Organizers and speakers led protesters toward City Hall as they chanted, “People Over Profit.”
A Chinese dragon joined protesters in the march.
A sign reading, “This is Philadelphia Chinatown/We are Here/Have a Meal” was raised above the heads of those in the crowd.
Large banners and flags weaved in and out between protesters.
Shawmar Pitts, co-director of Philly Thrive, gave an energetic speech during the march, wearing his Sixers jersey to demonstrate that his love for the team could coexist with his disapproval of their arena plans.
Furry friends briefly gave their say on the issue as a dog took to the podium in support of the crowd’s desire to do away with the plans to build in Chinatown.
As the dragon followed the mass of people, messages were found on its shiny scales that highlighted the priorities of the protesters. These priorities, the crowd argued, are disconnected from those of the developers heading the 76ers project.
