As the founder and executive director of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, I’m honored to join the Kansas Black Leadership Council in recognizing National Black Business Month. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we've made in supporting Black-owned businesses and the work that still lies ahead. However, the commitment to closing the racial wealth gap must extend beyond the month of August. It's an ongoing effort that requires continuous support from all of us.
The racial wealth gap, the stark difference in wealth between Black and white families, is a deep-seated, systemic issue rooted in historical injustices. This gap is not just a number—it’s a reality that affects countless Black families across the nation, including those in our communities here in Kansas. While National Black Business Month shines a spotlight on Black entrepreneurship, the work of supporting Black-owned businesses must be a year-round effort. Here are five meaningful ways you can make an impact beyond this month:
1. Be Intentional with Your Spending
One of the most direct ways to support Black-owned businesses is by being intentional with where you spend your money. Seek out Black-owned businesses in your community and make a conscious effort to purchase from them regularly, not just during special months or events. This not only supports the business owners but also strengthens the economic fabric of the community.
2. Amplify Black Voices
Visibility is crucial for Black-owned businesses, especially those that may not have the same marketing budgets as their larger, white-owned counterparts. Use your platform—whether it's social media, a blog, or word of mouth—to amplify Black-owned businesses. Share their stories, promote their products, and recommend them to your network. Your voice can help drive awareness and bring more customers to these businesses.
3. Invest in Black-Owned Businesses
Supporting Black-owned businesses goes beyond just buying products or services. Consider investing in Black entrepreneurs by supporting crowdfunding campaigns, becoming a micro-lender, or investing in Black-led startups. Financial support, whether small or large, can provide the capital these businesses need to grow and thrive.
4. Support Policy Changes
Systemic issues require systemic solutions. Advocate for policies that support Black entrepreneurs and address the barriers they face, such as access to capital, fair lending practices, and equitable economic development programs. Engage with local and state legislators to push for policies that create a more level playing field for Black-owned businesses.
5. Commit to Long-Term Relationships
Building long-term relationships with Black-owned businesses is key to sustainable support. Instead of viewing support as a one-time act, make it a part of your routine. Whether it’s partnering with Black-owned businesses for your company’s supply chain needs or regularly attending Black-owned business events, long-term commitment fosters trust and growth within the community.
A Call to Action
As we reflect on National Black Business Month, let’s commit to making our support for Black-owned businesses a continuous effort. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business—it’s about creating opportunities, building legacies, and uplifting entire communities. By supporting Black-owned businesses year-round, we contribute to closing the racial wealth gap and fostering economic justice.
Whether you’re a consumer, an investor, or an advocate, there’s a role for you in this movement. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Let’s take the lessons of National Black Business Month and carry them forward, ensuring that our support for Black-owned businesses doesn’t end when August does.
About Sheila Ellis-Glasper
As a leader deeply committed to inclusivity and diversity in business, my journey began with a background in Journalism and Mass Communications from Kansas State University. Over the years, I’ve leveraged my expertise in branding and social media to empower underrepresented businesses, founding SEG Media Collective LLC, and Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills. My passion lies in not just advocating for economic justice but actively working to create sustainable change in our communities.
Let’s continue this work together—because when we uplift Black entrepreneurs, we uplift entire communities.
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