Raheem L. Manning is a dynamic leader in business development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, with a deep passion for enhancing Philadelphia’s cultural and economic landscape. As the City’s first Nighttime Economy Director (Night Mayor), Raheem plays a pivotal role in shaping Philadelphia into a thriving, diverse, and globally competitive hub for arts, culture, and nightlife. Since his appointment on July 11, 2022, Raheem has led public engagement efforts, developed strategic governance plans, and advocated for policies that attract and retain companies within the city’s nighttime economy. His work focuses on making Philadelphia a more welcoming and vibrant destination for all.
Raheem’s journey in public service began with his role as Co-Chair of the City’s Arts and Culture Task Force, where he served for two fiscal years. In this capacity, he coordinated with City leadership and legislators to drive initiatives that strengthened Philadelphia’s arts, culture, and nightlife sectors. His collaborative efforts resulted in nearly $3 million in direct grant funding to over 1,500 individual artists and 60 small and medium-sized arts and culture organizations. The creation of the Nighttime Economy Director role was a direct outcome of his visionary leadership within the Task Force.
In addition to his public service, Raheem is the founding CEO of The Weekender Experiences, LLC, a global travel, entertainment, and events management company dedicated to providing innovative leisure travel services and curated events for Black professionals. Since its founding in 2014, The Weekender Experiences has successfully organized dozens of national and international trips, contributing to the $46.4 billion increase in African American leisure travel from 2018 to 2019 and introducing over 3,000 Black Americans to the transformative power of travel. Raheem’s extensive travels have taken him to over 200 cities across six continents, giving him a broad perspective that informs his work in Philadelphia and beyond.
A proud native of West Philadelphia, Raheem holds a Bachelor of Arts from Clark Atlanta University, a Master’s in Business Administration from Thomas Jefferson University, and a certification in International Business from East China Normal University in Shanghai, China. As a first-generation high school and college graduate, Raheem is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has volunteered thousands of hours supporting youth-based initiatives in Philadelphia and has played a key role in raising over $200,000 in donations to help students at his alma mater, Philadelphia Overbrook High School, attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Raheem’s leadership and impact have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including being named a 2022 Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient, a Clark Atlanta University 2022 40 Under 40 alumni award recipient, and a 2022 Philadelphia Tribune Top 10 People Under 40 to Watch awardee. He also serves on numerous executive and non-profit boards, including the Pennsylvania Prison Society, the Elvira B. Pierce Scholarship Fund, the Overbrook Alumni Association, and the Nighttime Culture and Policy (Nitecap) Board.
In addition to his professional and civic commitments, Raheem is an adjunct professor at the Drexel University LeBow School of Business, where he shares his expertise in business strategy and urban development with the next generation of leaders. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Philadelphia, Raheem embodies the values of leadership, service, and community empowerment.
Raheem Manning is dedicated to making Philadelphia a vibrant, inclusive, and globally recognized destination for arts, culture, and nightlife. His work continues to inspire and create lasting change in his hometown and beyond.
SEE THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE
