News: Jay-Z’s ‘Made In America’ Festival To Remain in Philadelphia
Last week, it was announced that the mayor of Philadelphia was looking to evict Jay-Z’s Made In America Festival from Ben Franklin Parkway after this year. It was a decision that had been made without an official meeting or phone call. Jay-Z took to the internet, writing an open letter to the mayors office addressing the issue…
“We are disappointed that the mayor of the city of Philadelphia would evict us from the heart of the city, through a media outlet, without a sit-down meeting, notice, dialogue, or proper communication. It signifies zero appreciation for what Made In America has built alongside the phenomenal citizens of this city. In fact, this administration immediately greeted us with a legal letter trying to stop the 2018 event.” -Jay-Z
Well, apparently his cries did not fall on deaf ears as it has been announced the MIA Festival will indeed remain in Philly! Jay-Z’s Roc Nation reps have since met with the Mayors office to work out any differences.
“I am greatly appreciative of everything that Made in America has done for the City of Philadelphia and I remain committed to its continued success. The Made in America festival belongs in Philadelphia — the birthplace of our country — and I’m optimistic that we can turn an unfortunate misunderstanding into a positive outcome and even stronger event.” -Mayor Kenney
Since 2012, Made in America, one of the only minority-owned festivals, has had a positive $102.8 million economic impact to Philadelphia, and the festival has paid $3.4 million in rent to the city. Made in America employs more than 1,000 Philadelphians each day and 85 percent of our partners are Philadelphia-based companies.
In addition to contributing to Philadelphia, since its inception, Made in America has donated $2.9 million to the United Way of Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Cause Village, the festival’s philanthropic footprint and hub for social action, averages more than 15,000 social actions taken over the [festival’s] two days via ongoing partnerships with more than 56 charitable and activist organizations representing all causes.
via Variety