Supporting and Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs
Celebrating Black entrepreneurs is a time to recognize the achievements of black business owners. August was National Black Entrepreneurs Month, a time to acknowledge, celebrate, and support Black entrepreneurs. From tech startups to retail stores, Black entrepreneurs are innovating, creating jobs, and impacting communities across the United States. When celebrating Black business owners, we acknowledge the historical and ongoing barriers black entrepreneurs have overcome to succeed. Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs is also an opportunity to highlight the economic impact of Black business-owned establishments; you are helping to redistribute wealth and empower Black entrepreneurs and their communities. Please support local black-owned establishments by making them your go-to for goods and services. Spread the word about these businesses through word of mouth and social media platforms to help increase their visibility.
I firmly believe in self-care and will treat myself to spa services. I intentionally seek out black-owned spas for my pamper sessions. My go-to for massages and mani/pedi services are Celestial Spa (Atlanta, Georgia) and Pretty Natural Nails (Stone Mountain, Georgia.) When eating out with friends and Soror’s, we select black-owned restaurants. Grits and Eggs, Capers, Slutty Vegan, Paschals, and Busy Bee are just a few that I frequent. I recently hosted a ladies’ luncheon and sought out a black-owned wine company, The McBride Sisters, to purchase wine. To find more Black-owned restaurants in Atlanta, go to https://www.atlantaeats.com/blog/50-black-owned-restaurants-in-atlanta/
Highlighting Local Black Entrepreneurs
Supporting Black Entrepreneurs in Atlanta is easy since Atlanta, Georgia, is the Nation’s Hub for Black-owned businesses. Atlanta has one of the highest rates of Black-owned businesses in the United States. 7.4% of companies in the Georgia metro are Black-owned. Since I am a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, I would like to highlight a few of Atlanta’s Black-owned businesses that financially impact the Atlanta economy.
- Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry is a Black American actor, producer, writer, director, and entrepreneur, owner of Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) in Atlanta, Georgia.
TPS is one of the most prominent film production companies in the United States. Tyler Perry Studio’s reported annual revenues are $10 – 50 million and has 100 – 500 employees. For more information about Tyler Perry, go to https://tylerperrystudios.com
- New Black Wall Street Atlanta
The new black wall street market in Atlanta was inspired by the achievements of the pioneering spirit of O. W. Burley and the several business partners that contributed to the success of the original “Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. https://blackwallstreet.org/atlanta
Highlighting Black Entrepreneurs
- For Members Only Federal Credit Union
For Members Only Federal Credit Union is the first Black-owned, woman-led, sorority-based (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) digital banking financial institution in the history of the United States. To find other black-owned businesses, go to https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/black-owned-business-guide-ncna1258948
Supporting and Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs year-round
Supporting and celebrating Black entrepreneurs shouldn’t be limited to Black Entrepreneurs Month but is a commitment that should extend throughout the year. You can show your support and uplift black business owners in several ways. Remember, supporting black entrepreneurship is a continuous effort that requires ongoing dedication. Let’s make celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses a priority.