Jon Henry’s Post

Community Members, As we close out August, the month of National Black Business Month, we at Both Sides Of The Conversation want to reflect on the significance of this celebration. This month has been a vital period to shine a spotlight on Black-owned businesses, emphasizing their importance in our communities. We hope our efforts have inspired others to recognize and support these enterprises. Starting a business is never easy, and Black-owned businesses often face unique challenges, from customer service issues and pricing concerns to the daunting hurdles of acquiring capital and accessing essential resources. Rather than criticize these businesses during their formative stages, we should find ways to support them. By providing tools, apps, and other resources, we can help these enterprises improve and thrive. Strong Black businesses not only fulfill community needs but also create job opportunities and contribute to the economic health of our neighborhoods. Although National Black Business Month is coming to an end, our commitment to supporting Black businesses must remain steadfast. Let's make every Friday a Black Friday, continually thinking of ways to support and sustain our local entrepreneurs. It is our duty to circulate money within our community, uplift one another, and ensure that Black and Brown businesses remain a priority. At Both Sides Of The Conversation, we are dedicated to uplifting Black businesses, especially those struggling to find their footing. We encourage you to spend your dollars with Black-owned enterprises, providing not only financial support but also constructive feedback and resources. Even if your experience is not perfect, consider reaching out to offer suggestions or assistance that could help these businesses improve and sustain their operations. The power of Black businesses extends far beyond economic contributions; they bring vitality, job opportunities, and essential services to our communities. We must continue to support these businesses every month of the year. Let’s make every Friday a Black Friday, prioritizing the investment in and development of small Black businesses. Together, we can foster ownership and ensure these enterprises thrive. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to uplifting Black businesses. Sincerely, Jon Henry Both Sides Of The Conversation Changing The Narrative From Our Voices

“Is the 'Buy Black' movement still alive?" Without fail, a version of this question comes up in almost every interview I do about Black Owned Bos. - I believe it’s a rhetorical question at this point. The truth is, those of us who live this work every day already know the answer: the support Black business craze from a few years ago has faded. It’s not trending like it once was. But that doesn’t mean the work is any less important or that the impact isn’t still there. This Black Business Month, I find myself reflecting on how much has changed. The energy that surged in the wake of 2020 was tremendous, almost overwhelming, but like all trends, it has evolved. Now, it’s less about the craze and more about the real, sustained work that continues day in and day out. Supporting Black-owned businesses isn't a trend. It's a commitment to uplifting communities, generating economic growth, and creating lasting change through intentional investment. That work is ongoing—whether it's trending or not. As Black Business Month continues, I encourage everyone to think about how they can contribute to the long-term success of Black owned businesses - not just for a moment, but for the future. To those who continue to show up, your effort matters. To my fellow entrepreneurs navigating these changing tides, keep going. The work is still real, still essential, and still worth every ounce of effort.

August is National Black Business Month, an opportunity to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses. According to recent data, there are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 1.18 million people and generate $133.7 billion in total sales, highlighting their significant economic contribution. Nationally, Black-owned businesses represent about 3% of all classifiable firms, despite the Black population making up 14% of the U.S. population. This disparity underscores the need for more support and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Learn More: https://ow.ly/skf250SW69N

August is National Black Business Month, a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our communities. These businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enriching our culture. Let's come together to support Black-owned businesses. Here's how: 👉 Shop Black: Prioritize purchases from Black-owned businesses. 👉 Amplify Black Voices: Share their stories and products on social media. 👉 Invest in Black Futures: Consider supporting Black entrepreneurs financially. As a Black-owned business, The Urban Wine Co. is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. These are challenging economic times for small businesses, but your support means the world. We're currently seeking investment on WeFunder to help us grow and continue making a positive impact. Join us in building a stronger, more equitable future. https://lnkd.in/egYbsXY6 #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #InvestInBlack #SmallBusiness #TheUrbanWineCo #WeFunder

Did you know that Black-owned businesses employ over 1.2 million people nationwide? Explore the US Black Chambers to learn more about how they support the Black business community and how you can celebrate your local Black-owned businesses this Black Business Month. https://lnkd.in/eksx9XM #BlackOwned #BlackOwnedBusinesses #BlackBusinessMonth

AUGUST IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH Black Business Month was established in 2004, celebrating black entrepreneurs and how they contribute to our economy. There are over 2.5 million businesses in our country that are black owned (Frank, 2023). Black Business Month helps us to recognize and empower these business owners as they navigate the challenges that minority business owners face. A Wee Bit of History. After emancipation, the number of black-owned businesses rose as freed slaves opened barber shops, shoe repair, and tobacco stores (Frank, 2023). Segregation, especially from 1900-1930 (which was called the “Black Golden Age”) actually helped black-owned businesses grow. You may have heard of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK, which was the site of the Tulsa Race Riot. It was during this time that Booker T. Washington founded the National Negro Business League in 1900 (which is now called the National Business League). However, segregation also led to black neighborhoods that did not receive equal investment. Systemic racism is still prevalent in our society, and that affects black business owners. By supporting their businesses, we can empower them to succeed and break down the disparities that exist. Some of those disparities include: - Black business owners are turned down for loans at double the rate of white business owners. - Wealth is held in a 10:1 ratio between white and black families. - Twice as many black people are unemployed than white people. - Because of this, 19% of black people live in poverty, compared to 7% of whites. - Only 42% of black families own their own home, vs 73% of white families. - Black people are more 5 times more likely to go to jail than white people. - Only 10.4% of blacks have Bachelor’s degrees, compared to 58.8% of whites. So, support black businesses. Shop the small, local stores and services. Try Black Food Fridays by eating at restaurants that have black owners. Black businesses are more likely to have black employees, so supporting these businesses gives people jobs, cutting the unemployment rate, and decreasing poverty. For more information, check out this report from the Brookings Institute at https://lnkd.in/gqg6fqcy Frank, N. (2023). What is national black business month? Black Wall Street Times. https://lnkd.in/gGTpw99F

🌟 Celebrating Black Business Month! 🌟 This August, we honor the rich legacy and vital contributions of Black entrepreneurs who have long been the backbone of economic progress and innovation in our communities. Black Business Month is a time to reflect on the historical resilience of Black business owners who have thrived despite systemic barriers and challenges, from limited access to capital to historical injustices like Black Wall Street. At Cities United, we recognize that supporting Black businesses is essential to creating safe, healthy, and hopeful communities. Economic empowerment is not just a goal but a critical tool for violence prevention and community well-being. Work like Russell: A Place of Promise emphasizes this through their support of workforce and small business development through the accelerator program, small business investment and partnership, and youth employment programs. Join us in celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses this month and beyond. By choosing to invest in Black owned enterprises, we are contributing to a legacy of strength and resilience and building a future where every community member can thrive. 🔗 Discover more about our efforts and how you can support: https://lnkd.in/eHk6_TNi #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusiness

National Black Business Month is celebrated in August, and in 2024 it will take place throughout the month. The month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the US economy, as well as to promote diversity and equity. Here are some ways to support Black-owned businesses during National Black Business Month: Use social media: Promote Black-owned businesses on social media using the hashtag #SupportBlackBusiness to introduce them to potential customers and investors. Buy products and services: Purchase products and services from Black-owned businesses to help boost sales and strengthen communities. Showcase products: Showcase Black-owned products at your business. Source supplies: Commit to sourcing supplies or ingredients from Black-owned vendors. Share products: Share Black-owned business products with your colleagues. Promote opportunities: Promote economic justice and business opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in your community.

Did you know that over 3.5 million businesses nationwide are Black-owned? Support your local Black-owned businesses and explore the different ways you can celebrate them this Black Business Month.💕 https://ow.ly/eYXf50SU3iY #BlackBusinessMonth #BlackOwnedBusinesses #BlackOwned