National Black Business Month

August is National Black Business Month, which provides a chance for consumers to support Black-owned businesses in America. National Black Business Month was initiated to help overcome hurdles and lack of exposure for Black entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners. 

In the last year during the pandemic, there has been a drive to support Black-owned businesses that give back to their communities like Noite Rose, a luxury loungewear line designed and owned by Diandra Harvin. Harvin launched her business in October 2021 out of Tampa, Florida, and Forbes.com listed Noite Rose among its “7 Black-owned Brands to Know.” One of the goals of Harvin’s business was to inspire other African Americans in her community to chase their dreams. And, it seems that Black women are leading this charge with great success.

“Black women are creating more businesses than women in any other demographic,” states The Root article by Noah A. McGee, Black-Owned Businesses are Thriving More Than Ever Because of Black Women. Because of hopeful entrepreneurial men and women, like Harvin, more and more Black-owned operations are popping up in cities across the country. Not only are the business owners realizing their dreams and creating financial security, the communities in which they operate are reaping many benefits. One community in particular that has seen exponential growth in Black-owned businesses is Fayetteville, North Carolina. 

With a population of over 210,000, Fayetteville is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, a major U.S. Army base. It is also the seat of Cumberland County and has received the “All-American City” award three times. Recently, www.lendingtree.com rated Fayetteville as the fastest growing Black-owned business population with more than 580 Black-owned businesses. In fact, the city’s website, www.visitfayetteville.com, touts its very own “Black-owned businesses in Cumberland County” page that devotes its entire contents to bring attention to those businesses that support and promote diversity and equality among its community members. Businesses in the area include restaurants, bridal salons, fitness studios, hair salons, breweries, and clothing boutiques, among others. Fayetteville is a shining example of how a city that supports Black-owned businesses allows individuals and communities to overcome wealth inequality and injustices. 

Why is supporting Black-owned businesses important for its community members? By purchasing goods and services from Black business owners, you’re increasing profit margins while allowing owners to hire more employees to meet demands. “This cycle supports the surrounding community through opening up new jobs and boosting the local economy. Additionally, seeing representation may encourage young children or other BIPOC aspiring business owners to begin businesses of their own. This will further diversify the economy and allow for more Black representation in the market,” states the Leaflet article, Black Owned Businesses: Why and How You Should Support by Michelle Kaganovsky. By supporting Black-owned businesses, you’re ensuring community wealth – for both business owners and the people they employ. 

How can you find Black-owned businesses in your community? It’s possible your local city’s website may offer a list of Black-owned businesses you can visit or support like Fayetteville has done. Another way is download apps like Black Business Green Book or you can check out The Black Directory. Another great resource is BlackOwnedAssociation.com (BOA) a network connecting Black-owned businesses with consumers in North America.

As the launch of new Black-owned businesses continues to rise, we hope you’ll take advantage of the goods and services they provide and share your experiences with friends, family, community members and on social media using #BlackOwnedBusiness. If you have a favorite store, website, or app that is Black-owned, will you share it with us? Connect with us on Twitter @MapsCookingKids or on Instagram @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind and happy parenting!