Community members, elected officials march through Center City, Chinatown to protest the Sixers’ arena proposal
The march comes as Philadelphia City Council is expected to debate legislation on the proposal this fall.
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Scores of demonstrators marched with members of the Save Chinatown Coalition through Center City and Chinatown Saturday to protest the Philadelphia 76ers’ arena proposal with songs, drumming, dancing, and speeches.
Drenched by a sudden downpour, protesters shouted “No arena in Chinatown” and “Hands off Chinatown” as they marched around City Hall, down Market Street and up through Chinatown, ending at the Friendship Arch on 10th and Arch Streets. Organizers said between 3,000 and 4,000 people turned out to support the march.
City Councilmember Nicholas O’Rourke, state Reps. Rick Krajewski and Chris Rabb and state Sen. Nikil Saval spoke against the arena proposal, along with representatives from community organizations from throughout the city. Interpreters were on hand to translate all speeches into Mandarin throughout the event.
“I’m here with you, encouraging [us to] put our feet to pavement and put our fists in the air and say power to the people, not another arena in Chinatown,” O’Rourke told the crowd.
