August is a time of celebration and appreciation as we honor National Black Business Month, recognizing the remarkable contributions of Black-owned businesses across the State of Oklahoma. Black-owned businesses symbolize the pursuit of equity and exemplify the strength and resilience of the our community.
I vividly remember the day I stumbled upon a Big O’s Pork & Dreams food truck in 2017. I was looking for great tasting bbq in North Oklahoma City and I could smell Oklahoma hickory from the street. The moment I walked up to Big O’s food truck, I was greeted with a big smile and a greeting like no other from Owen Wilson aka Big O. Big O, is a passionate BBQ connoisseur who takes pride in serving dang good food and working along side his beautiful wife Tanaka and kids, and sharing stories coaching football and mentoring youth. The joy of mouth-watering flavors at Big O’s Pork and Dreams and knowing I was contributing to a thriving Black-owned business left an lasting impression on me. It was more than just a meal; it was a shared experience, an appreciation for Black culture, and an investment in a local business.
Supporting Black-owned businesses is a powerful way to uphold economic equity. One valuable tip for individuals is to make a conscious effort to intentionally spend with Black-Owned businesses in your surrounding community and metro area, daily. Whether it’s restaurants, retail services, clothing, lawn care, general contracting, dentists, or physician, choose to #ShopBlackOklahoma whenever possible. Even small, regular purchases can collectively create a significant impact and foster a more vibrant economy.
For far too long in Oklahoma, Black consumers have been overlooked by companies, leaving essential needs unmet in food, housing, healthcare, broadband, and banking. But this untapped market holds enormous potential for companies to support Black-owned businesses! The real money is made business-to-business.
With ingenuity and deeper committments, municipalities and state agencies can tap into a significant emerging market while contributing to a profound economic revival.
Companies that cater to the needs and preferences of Black households could unlock a staggering $300 billion of value, annually! It’s time to expand local access to goods and services and tailor offerings to better serve Black people in Oklahoma.
Years of underinvestment have led to disruptions like “food apartheid” and gaps in workforce development for Black households. But this presents a golden opportunity for pioneering companies to compete and make a positive impact!
Action Steps to Empower Black-Owned Businesses
1. Discover and Explore: Visit platforms like www.ShopBlackOklahoma.com to find and register Black-owned businesses in your area. Explore their offerings and unique contributions to the community.
2. Amplify on Social Media: Use the hashtag #ShopBlackOklahoma in your social media posts to promote and raise awareness about Black-owned businesses you’ve supported. Share your experiences, inspire others, and expand the reach of these entrepreneurs.
3. Engage and Collaborate: Attend local events and workshops hosted by Black-owned and Black-led businesses. Engaging directly with entrepreneurs allows you to build meaningful connections and foster a strong community spirit.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, awareness and visibility have become key drivers of success. Supporting Black-owned businesses aligns with the current focus on fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. By doing so, we not only uplift individuals but also contribute to a more vibrant and resilient economy.
The Oklahoma Standard must include creating a supportive community that empowers Black entreprenuers to thrive no matter where they are located!
If you found this article helpful and empowering, share it with your friends, family, and social media networks. Together, we can amplify the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses no matter where they are located, ensuring that their impact continues to grow and inspire generations to come.
Apollo Woods, MBA
