August is Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and give voice to the millions of Black business owners.
Black Business Month was officially launched in 2004 by entrepreneurs John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan. The sole purpose was to bring awareness and appreciation to minority-owned companies within multiple fields, such as medical, with innovative practices such as Wanderlust Concierge Healthcare, a Nurse Practitioner-led direct primary care style clinic located in Brandon, Florida, founded by India Presley-Boyd, a Doctor of Nursing Practice. There is also the lucrative beauty industry, which is dominated by countless Black women, including Jesseca Harris, founder of Kaleidoscope Hair Products.
Research shows that Black-owned businesses only make up about 3% of the total in the U.S., which is why Black Business Month is so significant. It encourages many to explore new companies in their area owned by people of color while recognizing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs of color, such as capital and systemic barriers.
To celebrate this vibrant period, patronize Black-owned businesses whenever possible. Also, use your social media platforms to promote such companies. Here’s a quick list of notable Black-owned businesses across multiple industries to consider supporting this Black Business Month.
Black-owned restaurants
7th & Grove – Tampa, FL
Ms. Ruby’s Peach Cobbler Café Buckhead – Atlanta, GA
Cuts & Slices – Queens, NY
The Soul Food Lounge – Chicago, IL
Black-owned beauty supply stores
Pink Noire Beauty Supply – Memphis, Tennessee
KSR Hair And Beauty Supply – Mobile, Alabama
Systahood Beauty Supply- East Orange, New Jersey
Black-owned sneaker companies
Sia Collective, founded by Devlin Carter
NinetyNine Products, founded by Jeffrey Alan Henderson
Black-owned fashion companies
Milano Di Rouge, founded by Milan Harris
Denim Tears, founded by Tremaine Emory
Telfar, founded by Telfar Clemons
Slashed by Tia, founded by Teni Adeola
