Andrew, did you know that August is Black Business Month?
John William Templeton, president and executive editor of a scholarly publishing company, and Frederick E. Jordan, engineering executive, created Black Business Month in August 2004 to recognize the importance of Black businesses to the economy. As Black business entrepreneurs and professionals, they experienced, firsthand, the hardships and the disparities that Black businesses are forced to grapple with.
Access to adequate funding is an issue that too many Black business owners have faced. After all, about 2.4% of U.S. businesses are Black-owned, despite Black people making up 12.8% of the U.S. population. This has to do with the lack of access to loans and capital, as well as the government's lack of equitable policies and commitment to diverse businesses that would advance Black business growth.
It's no secret that capitalism has exploited Blackness since this country's founding. But it's also no secret that we show up for our people. We have the power to uplift, advance, and protect Black businesses everywhere – and that's exactly what we're doing in August and beyond.
In honor of Black Business Month 2022, we're featuring Black businesses across our platforms – via email, Twitter, Instagram, you name it! Do you have a Black business that you want to uplift? Take 2 minutes and fill out the form to tell us about your favorite Black business (and yes, you can fill the form out more than once!) >> No matter how much the capitalist society we live in tries to keep us down, we will rise up. Black businesses are irreplaceable, and they are so much more than just a regular business. They are often pillars in their community and serve as wealth-builders for entire generations. They're about the "we," not just the "me."
Economic advancement is a huge part of our fight for Black liberation. It's why we are constantly calling on President Biden to cancel student debt. It's why we are putting pressure on Congress to pass Medicare For All. It's why we must support and protect Black businesses in order to build Black wealth and success for generations to come.
Andrew, more work needs to be done to achieve full equity for Black businesses. We can do our part by dedicating ourselves to spending our dollars at Black businesses whenever and wherever possible. The way we do it? Get to know as many Black businesses as possible! So please, if you're able, take 2 minutes and drop a Black business you love through our form. Once a week, we'll send an email highlighting different Black businesses that were submitted to us. Keep an eye on your inbox and on your social feeds for all things Black business this month.
In love and solidarity,
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
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