Jay-Z is the epitome of a self-made businessman. He is doing his part to make sure the advancement of Black people is being seen and heard.
In June, HOV took out ads in newspapers across the country to honor George Floyd, this time around he is shining light on black businesses. Amid a time Black-owned businesses are garnering more attention than ever, HOV and his Roc Nation agency have decided to take it further by taking out multiple full-page ads in newspapers across America to highlight Black businesses.
According to BET, the ads will appear in The New York Times, The Denver Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Austin American Statement, The Orlando Sentinel, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The listing will include Black law firms, car dealerships, plumbing, grocery stores, banks, wine stores, yoga studios, paper companies, restaurants, photography services, and much more.
“This ad has been created to bring attention to Black-owned businesses. Historically, Black people have been murdered for owning, thriving, and being successful. To that, we say never again,” the powerful spread reads. “Power is in Black voices. Power is in Black actions. Power is in Black wallets. Roc Nation is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs, their dreams, and companies, We challenge everyone to do the same.”
Jay-Z is extending his hand and platform to good use over the past couple of months. He helped Ahmaud Arbery’s family by sending his private get so the attorney could make it to the preliminary court hearing in time, he launched REFORM Alliance, an organization that has the primary goal of reducing the number of people serving unjustified parole and probation sentences, alongside friend Meek Mill and 76ers owner Michael Rubin, Cassius reports.
He also joined Rihanna and Twitter curator Jack Dorsey to donate over $6.2 million that will fund COVID-19 rapid response efforts across the states, specifically Puerto Rico.
Weeks before his decision to focus on Black-owned businesses in America, his wife Beyonce launched the Black Parade initiative, a directory for Black-owned companies on her personal site.
To support Black-owned businesses, JAY-Z and Roc Nation buys multiple full-page newspaper ads country-wide to highlight and bring attention to Black-owned businesses in their respected cities pic.twitter.com/wl7tCZ2gsl
— JAY-Z Daily (@JAY_Z_Daily) July 6, 2020