On June 4, 2019, the City of Philadelphia kicked off Immigrant Heritage Month with a special ceremony celebration at LOVE Park. CIC Philadelphia Site Director Sally Guzik was invited to speak about the value that immigrant entrepreneurs bring to our community and economy.
Guzik emphasized how Philadelphia’s immigrant entrepreneurs are “key contributors to the positive impact of business districts and neighborhood corridor development.”
Diversity and inclusion play an important role in Guzik’s vision for CIC Philadelphia. “Diversity to CIC means supporting our immigrant entrepreneurs and the value they bring to our economies, arts, and culture,” she said.
Peter Boogaard from one of CIC Philadelphia’s nonprofit partners, FWD.us, also attended and spoke on the diversity of cultures and people that make Philly the great melting pot that it is.
The ceremony concluded with each speaker, starting with Mayor Jim Kenney, placing flags of their families’ countries of origin on the brand new I “heart” Philly sculpture in LOVE Park.
The value of immigrant entrepreneurs in Philadelphia is evident, and the special sculpture honoring Immigrant Heritage Month will remain there for the rest of June to give the city an opportunity to engage with the work of art.
