August is National Black Business Month: Celebrate Your Black-Owned Business

August is a significant month as it marks National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs across the United States. This month provides an opportunity to recognize the resilience and success of the growing number of Black-owned businesses in various industries.

Throughout history, Black-owned businesses have faced numerous challenges, including systemic racism and violence, as exemplified by events such as the Tulsa Massacre. Even more recently, the COVID-19 crisis has posed additional obstacles, forcing many businesses to either close their doors permanently or temporarily suspend operations. 

Despite these adversities, Black entrepreneurs have continued to demonstrate remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity. National Black Business Month serves as a reminder of the contributions made by these businesses to the economy and their importance within their communities.

National Black Business Month was founded in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr. to “drive the policy agenda affecting the 2.6 million African-American businesses,” according to the National Day Calendar. In January 2021, the United States Census Bureau released a study showing that “Blacks or African Americans owned approximately 124,551 businesses, with about 28.5% (35,547) of these businesses in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, the highest percentage of any minority group.”

Curious about the impact of Black Business Month and COVID-19 on Black business owners, I reached out to a few. Read below to learn about their experiences and how you can support a Black-owned business all year long.

JARQUITA: What does being a Black business owner mean to you?

SHEKENIA FRANKLIN, Owner of Kenia’s Designs, LLC: Being a black business owner makes me feel empowered. I never saw myself in that light, so it’s something new for me. I like that I can personally create and provide quality products to customers. Being a Black business owner helps me to become better with time management and work ethic.

CEMETRIC DERELL, Owner of Cemetric Derell: Being a Black Business owner to me means beating all odds and creating generational wealth for generations to come. Statistics show that there are more than 2 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Business ownership is a major driver of wealth for Black Americans. Black business owners have 12 times the wealth compared to non-Black business owners in spite of the obstacles put in the way for black minorities to succeed.

BREUNKA KIMBROUGH, Owner of Forever Bree: Being a Black business owner for me means creating a new blueprint for my generational line. No one in my family has ever done such a thing, and to be the first truly brings on much anxiety and many sacrificial moments, but semi-happiness. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t trade this feeling for anything in the world. I know that if I can successfully create the blueprint, I can share the guide with my children’s children.

JARQUITA: Many businesses had to temporarily close due to the COVID crisis, but also, many Black-owned businesses were also established due to the pandemic and have been thriving ever since. What was it like starting/running your business during COVID, and how has business been for you?

SHEKENIA: The unknown can be scary. Being a newly Black business owner, the thought of remaining active in a pandemic made me panic. But God has and is faithful. Even in the fog of COVID, I continue to create products and improve. I told myself it is time to work on my craft. So, when it’s time, you’ll be ready. Business has been great. Some weeks are better than others, but God is providing.

CEMETRIC: During the pandemic, business has been pretty slow for me due to the declining sales. A lot of consumers aren't purchasing because they either work from home, on reduced pay, or furloughed saving money trying to stay afloat. All in all, I’m so grateful for the support I’ve been receiving throughout the pandemic. I even got the chance to work on new projects and systems that can elevate my brand.

BREUNKA: Starting my business during the pandemic was actually one of the best things I’ve accomplished thus far. I started my business because I wanted to create and see different avenues of income. Truth be told, I didn’t want to benefit from the actual revenue. It was more so in thought of learning a new skill or trade and perfecting the craft. I truly believe if you can learn the skill and you’re able to perfect it, then there’s a possibility you’re able to benefit solely from the strategy.

JARQUITA: What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur or an entrepreneur who feels like giving up?

SHEKENIA: If I could give an aspiring entrepreneur any advice, it would be to believe in yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but it starts there. I create T-shirts. I bought everything I needed, and it all sat for three months before I made my first shirt. I thought of all the reasons it wouldn’t work. My advice is to focus on whatever it is you’re doing. Don’t get caught up in comparisons. Make the first move, and everything will follow. There will be so many reasons to quit, but get it done. Lastly, if you are an entrepreneur starting a business in the pandemic, do not get discouraged. The sales never slowed down for me because of it. Keep God in your business.

CEMETRIC: One piece of advice that I would give an aspiring entrepreneur is to keep going when things get a little tough. Entrepreneurship can be very hard at times, but you have to believe in your vision no matter what. Trust the process.

BREUNKA: Whatever your aspirations are, go after them. The world needs your expressive taste in all forms. Don’t be afraid to accept the liking of new beginnings because just on the other side is the right moment you need.

JARQUITA: Lastly, how do you celebrate your success as a Black business owner?

SHEKENIA: As a black business owner, I am often so busy processing orders that I forget to celebrate a small victory. Most times, I treat myself to something I love or buy something for the business I hadn’t been able to purchase at first. Because being an entrepreneur is so demanding, it is important to relax and unwind.

CEMETRIC: As a Black business owner, I celebrate my success by paying it forward. This can be in the form of sharing resources with other Black up-and-coming businesses that can be helpful.

BREUNKA: I definitely consider my success as a Black business owner a milestone for each and every successful moment given. With the many struggles and trials my ancestors endured, survival was all we knew. We couldn’t purchase many things, let alone have our own businesses. So to have a flourishing clothing boutique is successful within itself. To celebrate my moment of success, I think back to how things started, compare analytical data, and cultivate realistic goals to stretch beyond my current standings. One thing that helps me is making sure I offer pure gratitude to the One and Only, Creator of All things, for without Him, I am nothing.

Supporting Black entrepreneurs is essential for increasing the flow of wealth in Black families and communities. There are numerous ways to support Black-owned businesses in your community and state. You can start by spreading the word about their business, engaging with their social media posts, following their business page, and telling a friend about their products or services.

Purchasing their products, donating to their causes, and leaving positive testimonials or reviews are also impactful ways to show support. It's important to avoid asking for or expecting discounts, as this undermines the value of their products or services. 

A post circulating on social media read, “It costs $0 to give them a shoutout, $0 to follow their business page, $0 to tell a friend, $0 to engage with their posts, and $0 to root for them.”

Comment below your favorite Black-owned business and ways you support Black businesses.