Black Lives Matter

June 3, 2020

Radical hospitality means that our doors are open to everyone; regardless of race, religion, gender, orientation or ability.  We believe that Black Lives Matter and share in the heartache and anger of protestors across the country.

Our vision has always been that our services allow every person to feel seen, recognized and restored. We cannot ignore, however, that not every person is afforded that same treatment outside of our doors. Our neighbors we serve deal with the daily violence of poverty, racism, classism, on top of compromised access to essentials like food, housing, and physical and mental wellness. In keeping with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, we believe in promoting transformational change—not charity.

On Saturday, we saw our city once again come together to demand justice and protest the need for change. Like many of you, we saw that during the protest our storage container at City Hall caught fire. We appreciate the outpouring of support, but our equipment can be replaced; George Floyd,Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and all other Black and Brown lives stolen by police brutality and state violence cannot. We refuse to let this incident obscure or negate the message of the moment, and we request that others refrain from invoking a damaged storage container in order to divert attention from the vital conversation that our community is demanding. Supporting our vulnerable neighbors is at the core of our values. The systemic racism our guests experience on a daily basis compels us to continually recognize the humanity of each individual which allows us to live our mission of Radical Hospitality and amplify historically silenced voices.The population we serve has had to bear witness to the neglect and erasure of their presence in the Philadelphia community. However, we believe that people should always come before property; the legacy of violence against Black and Brown people in the United States impacts those we serve on a daily basis.

Broad Street Ministry recognizes the work that needs to be done to address the injustices that derail the well-being of our Black and Brown communities. Our mission states that we believe the transformation of our city, institutions and ourselves happens when we embrace the individual needs of the most vulnerable. Right now, that need is for immediate change–change reflected in how we prioritize budgeting for adequate social services and supports, for affordable housing; change that is reflected in responsibility and accountability for all levels of leadership; change that includes the input of our vulnerable population; change that is responsive to the needs of the community.

We will not be able to move forward as a community until our guests are seen, their voices are heard, and their needs are met.

In Solidarity,

The Broad Street Ministry Staff and Board