Apollo Woods, Executive Director, Bigger Than Food Foundation

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the sacrifices, resilience, and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. But reflection alone is not enough. We must confront a pressing challenge that threatens our cultural identity and collective progress: the displacement of Black-owned businesses and the long-term impact on our social connections, cultural pride, and economic vitality.

This story is not just a local issue—it is a national crisis. It is a call to action for all of us to reclaim our legacy by investing in our communities, supporting Black-owned businesses, and fostering cultural hubs that include and uplift every member of our community.

The Legacy of Black-Owned Businesses

Black-owned businesses have been at the heart of our communities for generations. In times of systemic oppression, these businesses symbolized hope, resilience, and self-sufficiency. They provided not only economic opportunities but also spaces where social bonds were strengthened and cultural pride flourished.

Neighborhoods like the JFK & Deep Deuce in Oklahoma City, Greenwood in Tulsa, or Harlem in New York City were more than just places to live—they were thriving ecosystems of innovation, artistry, and activism. These businesses reflected the ingenuity and determination of African Americans to carve out spaces of excellence in a world that often denied them basic rights.

But across the country, these neighborhoods have been systematically dismantled. Urban renewal projects, disinvestment, and gentrification have displaced Black-owned businesses, leaving communities fractured and robbed of their cultural anchors.

The Cost of Displacement

When Black-owned businesses disappear, the losses extend far beyond economic statistics. The ripple effects are profound and lasting:

1. Fractured Social Connections:
   • Black-owned businesses are often more than commercial ventures—they are gathering spaces where relationships are built, advice is shared, and a sense of belonging is nurtured. Their absence leaves communities isolated and disconnected.
2. Diminished Cultural Pride:
   • These businesses are living monuments to our history and culture. Their presence inspires pride and reminds us of the resilience and creativity of our ancestors. Their loss diminishes opportunities to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritage.
3. Erosion of Economic Vitality:
   • Black-owned businesses circulate wealth within our communities, creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship. Without them, the racial wealth gap widens, leaving our communities with fewer resources to invest in education, housing, and infrastructure.
4. Weakened Advocacy:
   • Businesses rooted in the community often play critical roles in advocacy and leadership. Their absence weakens our ability to mobilize and fight for equitable policies and opportunities.

The Responsibility to Rebuild

While the challenges are daunting, the solution lies within us. Black communities have always demonstrated an unmatched capacity for resilience and innovation. We must harness that strength to rebuild what has been lost and create a future that honors our legacy.

1. Support Black-Owned Businesses:
   • As consumers, we have the power to make choices that directly impact our communities. Every dollar spent at a Black-owned business contributes to economic growth, job creation, and the circulation of wealth within our neighborhoods.
2. Incubate Cultural Hubs:
   • We must create spaces where African Americans can come together to celebrate, collaborate, and innovate. These hubs should include arts centers, co-working spaces, educational programs, and cultural events that reflect the diversity and richness of our experiences.
3. Invest in Community-Led Development:
   • It is essential that development projects prioritize the voices and needs of the communities they affect. This includes advocating for policies that protect Black-owned businesses from displacement and ensure access to affordable housing and commercial spaces.
4. Build Intergenerational Wealth:
   • Wealth is not just financial—it is the passing down of knowledge, opportunities, and cultural traditions. By investing in businesses, mentorship, and education, we can create a legacy of empowerment for future generations.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine neighborhoods and commercial districts where Black-owned businesses once again serve as the backbone of our communities—where thriving neighborhoods are filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces owned and operated by people who understand and celebrate the culture of the community they serve. Imagine cultural hubs that bring together African Americans from across the metro area, fostering unity and collaboration while showcasing the richness of our heritage. Imagine a future where progress is inclusive, ensuring that every member of our community benefits from the opportunities we create.

This vision is not a dream—it is a goal within our reach. But achieving it requires intentionality and commitment. It requires us to prioritize our communities, to invest in one another, and to recognize that our individual success is deeply connected to the success of the collective.

Reclaiming Our Legacy

Black History Month is not just a time to look back—it is a time to look forward. It is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by building a legacy that future generations can celebrate. The displacement of Black-owned businesses and cultural hubs is a crisis we can no longer ignore. The responsibility to address it lies with all of us.

Let this be our commitment: to support Black-owned businesses, to invest in our neighborhoods, and to incubate the cultural hubs that will sustain us for generations to come. Together, we can ensure that the progress we make benefits everyone and that the legacy of resilience, innovation, and pride that defines our history continues to shape our future.

Let’s reclaim our legacy—because it’s bigger than business, bigger than culture. It’s about the future we want to build for ourselves and the generations that follow.