*Due to inclement weather concerns, IBA Intersections at AAMP will be held March 29 rather than the original March 7 date PGN initially published.
The Greater Philadelphia LGBT Chamber of Commerce will host a networking event for African-American and black LGBT business communities.
The event is part of its “Intersections” series, which focuses on diversity and inclusion within the LGBT business community. The program launched with a similar event for the Latinx community in November.
IBA’s next event, in collaboration with PHL Diversity, will be held March 29 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. It is free and open to the public.
“Our Intersections series is a three-year event series focused on diverse business opportunities, in collaboration with Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and PHL Diversity. The goal is to introduce the IBA to other racial and ethnic business communities and discover how collaboration and cooperation make us stronger and make our businesses thrive,” said IBA Executive Director Zach Wilcha.
According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBT businesses contribute more than $1.7 trillion to the United States economy, creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
“As of 2016, certified LGBT businesses owned by African Americans comprise only 4.3 percent of the national total,” Wilcha said. “It’s time to change that. This event will provide opportunities for our communities to overlap, intersect, network and celebrate.”
According to Wilcha, the LGBT community intersects with various minority communities and it’s vital to work together.
“It’s going to be fun and purposeful. We will gather socially at the intersection of LGBT, African-American, black and business communities. We’ll be centering and celebrating African-American and black business communities as we introduce them to the IBA and our mission.
“Folks should join us as we explore the impact that African-American, black and LGBT professions can have in the workplace, in entrepreneurship, taking our seat at the table and our ability to change the narrative of under-representation.”
In May, IBA plans to host a third event for Asian-American business communities.
“After this year, our events will combine all communities and begin to ask some provocative questions about how intersecting communities can work best uplifting one another,” said Wilcha.
IBA Intersections at AAMP will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 29 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. Visit thinkiba.com/events for more information or to register.