FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Conan Knoll
conan@emccommunications.com
(831) 524-6764

Let’s Spend Black History Month Focusing on the Impact Black Entrepreneurs Have Had on our Economy and Communities, and How We Can Support Them Every Month

Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Shaundell Newsome and Senior Advisor Renee Johnson are available to speak to the media this month about the impact Black entrepreneurs have had on our economy and communities, and what Black small businesses need now and in the future to thrive

Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2021— From the creation of what today is the National Business League by Booker T. Washington, to master distiller Nathan “Nearest” Green teaching Jack Daniel the trade, to America’s first Black female self-made millionaire Madam C.J. Walker, Black business people have been powerful, innovative and creative contributors to our country and economy. Black entrepreneurs have left an indelible mark on American business.

In this moment of heightened awareness of our country’s racial divide and the central role of small businesses in our economy, let’s focus this Black History Month, and every month after, on the impact Black entrepreneurs have had on our economy and our communities, and how we can better support them moving forward.

“After all that has transpired in the past year—from the outsized impact Covid has had on the Black community and Black small business owners, to the murder of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed—this Black History Month feels more important  than ever. It’s time to not just talk about the wonderful, and painful, history of Black Americans, but to draw on the lessons of the past to create more economic equity,” said Small Business for America’s Future Senior Advisor Renee Johnson. “The last year has shone a spotlight on the many hurdles Black entrepreneurs have to overcome to make it in America. This month, and every month thereafter, we should use that spotlight to ensure policies are put in place that truly support Black business owners.”

“Organizations like Small Business for America’s Future that focus on better public policy and advocates like Andrew Carnegie who supported Booker T. Washington in his endeavors, are the reason why a Black-owned companies like mine can exist and prosper today,” said Small Business for America’s Future Co-chair Shaundell Newsome, the owner of Sumnu Marketing in Las Vegas, Nevada. “But the events of the last year have shown us that the challenges facing the Black community and Black business owners are not confined to the history books. They are still here today. We must acknowledge that and work together to build a more equitable society and economy. There are millions of Booker T. Washingtons, “Nearest” Greens and C.J. Walkers out there. Imagine how strong we would all be if we had an economy that, rather than throwing up barriers to their entrepreneurship, sought to unleash their economic potential. Our entire country would benefit.”

To speak to Shaundell Newsome and/or Renee Johnson, contact Conan Knoll at conan@emccommunications.com or (831) 524-6764.

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About Small Business for America’s Future

Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.