Harris applauds RACP for African Cultural Alliance of North America
Rep. Jordan A. Harris December 23, 2020 | 5:21 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 23 – Noting the importance of equal opportunity for necessary services for the African American population in Philadelphia, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., House Democratic Whip, announced the approval of a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for the African Cultural Alliance of North America.
“The African Cultural Alliance of North America is a vital partner in serving the Black and Brown communities who often struggle with access to services such as health care, legal consultations, and community development,” Harris said. “The Alliance also serves to bring festivals and art shows featuring Black and Brown musicians and artists to our community, highlighting the tremendous cultural achievements that continue to enrich Philadelphia and our nation. I’m incredibly appreciative to Governor Tom Wolf and his administration for seeing the value in this project and making this tremendous award.”
ACANA is a nonprofit organization that serves African and Caribbean immigrants by providing access to social and legal services, community development programs, health services, organizing African arts and culture events, and other services.
The grant funding will go toward creating an anchor facility for economic development and cultural needs in Southwest Philadelphia. The newly created Africa Center will house community space, office space, retail space and community health services. Future development is in the works to create a market-rate residential tower above the Africa Center.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.