Harold T. Epps Challenges Philadelphia To Build Economic Equity With Intentional Action

Harold T. Epps, a seasoned business leader and former Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, has dedicated his career to fostering economic growth and championing diversity. With over four decades of corporate experience, Epps has orchestrated policies to uplift marginalized communities and promote inclusive prosperity.​ He sees a world of potential on the path to equity. Over a spotless career, Epps has amassed an iron-clad record of positioning organizations for sustained growth, improving efficiency, and creating innovative practices and strategies.

Early Life and Influences

Born in North Carolina, Epps experienced the realities of segregation firsthand. His father, Harold T. Epps Sr., was a prominent attorney who played a role in desegregating the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. This legacy of challenging systemic barriers influenced Epps’ commitment to social justice and economic equity.​

Corporate Leadership

Before his tenure in public service, Epps held significant positions in the private sector. From 2007 to 2014, he served as President and CEO of the Philadelphia-based PRWT Services, one of America’s largest Black -owned firms providing business solutions and infrastructure support. During his career, his leadership positions included roles at Quadrant, Menasha Corporation, Polaroid, and Digital Equipment Corporation, where he managed divisions with revenues approaching $200 million. These experiences honed his expertise in adeptly positioning organizations for sustained growth and innovation.​ Epps has blazed a path for many African-American executives who follow his lead.

Director of Commerce

In January 2016, Epps was appointed Philadelphia’s Director of Commerce by Mayor Jim Kenney. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing the city’s business environment, coordinating activities along neighborhood commercial corridors, and increasing contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses. Under his leadership, the city surpassed its goal, achieving 36.02 percent participation of minority, women, and disabled-owned businesses in city government’s contracts for the 2019 Fiscal Year. Epps led the City’s Office of Workforce Development and co-chaired the Special Committee on Regulatory Review and Reform, which was designed to eliminate outdated legislation and streamline business processes.​

Advocacy for Economic Equity

Epps is vocal about the systemic challenges that perpetuate economic disparities. He emphasizes the need for intentional policies to address these pressing issues explaining, “The nation, the state, and the city are great at building from the top, but can do a better job of lifting from the bottom.” He highlights the undervaluation of workers, particularly in marginalized communities, noting, “When you say that the least job in this state is not worth more than eight bucks an hour, to me, that says we don’t care about our people and the value of work.”​

Drawing from his personal experiences, Epps reflects on the steady erosion of policies designed to support Black  and Brown communities: “Starting with president Ronald Reagan, in the 1980s I saw federal political leaders begin to chip away at policies designed to give Black  and Brown people a fair shot. Now, 45 years later, we are watching them aggressively try to turn back the hands of progress.” He underscores the importance and power of solidarity. He urges:  “We, as a community, have to band together, work together, educate each other, and spend our money by supporting one another to have a fair shot in this country.”​

Strategic Vision for Inclusive Growth

Epps advocates for a multifaceted approach to closing the equity gap, focusing on four key pillars:​

1. Capital: Ensuring access to funding for Black -owned businesses.​
2. Contracts: Removing structural barriers that limit access to public and private sector contracts.​
3. Workforce Development: Creating employment opportunities that elevate communities from poverty.​
4. Education: Providing skill-based learning to compete in the modern economy.​

He emphasizes the power of intentional spending within the community, highlighting that while Black  Americans have a $2 trillion economy, less than 5 percent circulates within their communities. Epps challenges this norm, pointing out the potential for progress, “Black  folks have a $2 trillion economy in this nation. Yet, we spend less than 5 percent of it within our own community. What would happen if we doubled that?”​

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Epps identifies significant opportunities for inclusive economic development in Philadelphia, citing major events like the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America250) celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the FIFA World Cup 26 international men’s soccer championships in 16 North American cities. However, he warns against complacency, especially with the current threat and sweeping resurgence against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in politics and policy. He stresses the need for actionable outcomes over rhetoric. “Hope is not a strategy,” he asserts. Epps calls for measurable progress, and offers advice that comes from his experience; “The right words on a sheet of paper, or in a speech, don’t move the needle. What moves the needle is courage, action, and accountability.”​

Constant Commitment

After his public service, Epps continues to influence economic development and diversity as a Senior Advisor at Bellevue Strategies Inc.’s  Philadelphia office. His dedication to fostering inclusive growth and dismantling systemic barriers is impressive. Epps’ career reflects a steadfast commitment to creating equitable opportunities and empowering marginalized communities.

In his own words: “The biggest impediment to the progress of the United States is the way it treats its own people.” Epps advocates intentional investment, policy advocacy, and community self-sufficiency to give Black  and brown individuals a fair chance at success.