Carolyn Jean Cheeks Kilpatrick, an assertive advocate for Detroit and Black owned business, died on Oct. 7 in Atlanta. She was 80.
Tag: Black-owned businesses
Posted inCommentary
Keeping the dollar close: Strengthening community wealth through intentional spending
Supporting Black-owned businesses and service providers is a powerful way to strengthen Black communities economically, yet much of Black spending still goes to non-Black businesses. By intentionally increasing spending with Black service providers—such as doctors, lawyers, and tradespeople—Black communities can foster economic growth, improve health outcomes, and build generational wealth.
Posted inNational News
Dr. Jamal Bryant’s 40-day Target ‘fast’ gains momentum
The Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant is leading a 40-day boycott of Target in response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and is calling for 100,000 people to sign a petition and halt their spending at Target as a direct challenge to the company’s retreat from its commitments to Black businesses and consumers.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Hope for America: Entering the New Year with purpose and resolve
Black Americans must channel their inner “2008 Obama” and focus on hope and action to navigate the challenges of systemic oppression, and prioritize community building, education, and mental health to ensure their survival and progress.
Posted inBUSINESS
DeAnne Brookshire, CEO of Pink Leaf Consulting, speaks on Black entrepreneurship
DeAnne Brookshire, CEO of Pink Leaf Consulting, discusses her entrepreneurship journey and the impact of her business in the Black community, while offering advice for those looking to start their own business or leave the workforce.
Posted inCommentary
Harnessing the economic power of the Black community
The African American economy is a significant force in the US, with a buying power projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2024, and efforts to promote entrepreneurship, education, financial inclusion, and cultural industries are essential to harness its potential and foster economic growth.
Posted inBUSINESS
From the publisher’s desk: Never despise small beginnings
Frances Murphy “Toni” Draper, CEO and Publisher of the AFRO-American Newspaper, reflects on her early experiences as an entrepreneur and the importance of entrepreneurship for Black-owned businesses.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black businesses are growing in the U.S., but challenges remain
Black businesses are on the rise in the US, but despite comprising nearly 14% of the population, they own just about 3% of the country’s businesses, and there is a need for more capital access and spending with Black-owned businesses to close the racial wealth gap.
Posted inU.S. Government
Black small businesses point to sales boosts as potential TikTok ban looms in the distance
Black-owned businesses have generated $14.7 billion in revenue through advertising on TikTok in 2023, with 83% of them experiencing sales increases, and 59% of them using the app to hire a new employee.
Posted inBUSINESS, Commentary, Opinion, OPINION
It’s time to be fearless in supporting disadvantaged entrepreneurs
By Imani Augustus and Madeline Burke A federal appeals court in Miami is considering a challenge to a program by Fearless Fund intended to provide grant, mentorship, and training opportunities for Black women looking to grow their businesses. Other lawsuits have challenged entrepreneurial support implemented by the US Small Business Administration and Minority Business Development […]
Posted in!Front Page
Catching up with Chelsea Brown, the new president of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce
By Megan SaylesAFRO Business Writer msayles@afro.com The Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Chelsea Brown will lead the agency as president. Brown brings more than seven years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, grant-making and community-building to the new role. Brown said she took the position because she fell in love with the mission […]
Posted inBUSINESS
SWCreatives works with Black businesses to boost their social media presence
By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer, msayles@afro.com When Siraaj Woods joined Kappa Alpha Psi at Ohio University, he took charge of the fraternity’s social media. A sophomore at the time, Woods didn’t have experience in social media marketing. He was studying to become a computer scientist. But, Woods quickly realized he had a knack for […]