[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 29 (Monday, February 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                         Tribute to Della Clark

  Mr. President, our second honoree is Della Clark from Philadelphia, 
PA. Della Clark is a true community shepherd. I am not the first to 
recognize Della's exemplary work, and I certainly won't be the last, 
but I am honored to add my voice to her chorus of admirers. Her work in 
the city of Philadelphia, particularly in West Philadelphia, has 
undoubtedly been a saving grace 100 times over.
  Della is indefatigable, a true force of nature who has shown true 
dedication and steadfast leadership.
  Since January 1, 1992, Della Clark has served as president of the 
Enterprise Center. This center supports minority entrepreneurs and 
underresourced communities and is one of the most trusted organizations 
in the region to advise and deliver transformative economic development 
and community wealth-building initiatives.
  Under Della's leadership, the Enterprise Center has experienced 
tremendous growth. Among its accomplishments is its purchase of a 
dilapidated building at 46th and Market Street in West Philadelphia, 
which was completely renovated and now serves as the center's state-of-
the-art center for business and entrepreneurship.

  Additionally, affiliate organizations have been added to the center's 
portfolio, including the Enterprise Center Community Development 
Corporation and the Enterprise Center Capital Corporation. Today, the 
Enterprise Center is leading a project that will be transformative for 
the city of Philadelphia--the 52nd Street Initiative.
  This commercial corridor along 52nd Street in West Philadelphia has 
been an important historical and cultural hub, but unfortunately has 
seen significant decline and recent disinvestment just over the last 
number of years.
  Further exacerbating the already existing troubles for business 
owners and residents, the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest have made 
recovery and revitalization challenging at best. The Enterprise Center 
has a bold vision for this 52nd Street Initiative, which will transform 
this street--52nd Street--into a national model for integrating 
technology to improve public safety, enhance visitor experience, and 
support businesses and residents.
  With Della Clark at the helm, I am confident she will move mountains 
to see to it that this project reaches its full potential and that this 
vital neighborhood and its residents can thrive once again.
  Della Clark speaks eloquently--yet fiercely--on the importance of 
investing in Black and Brown businesses and is a tireless advocate for 
equitable distribution of and access to resources and capital. For 
that, I thank her for being a champion, a leader, and a true servant 
for her community.