Memphis, with its large Black population, has a significant number of Black-owned businesses. However, many of these businesses are non-employer firms, lacking employees other than the owner. The potential for these businesses to grow and create generational wealth is often dismissed [3059d755].
Memphis has the opportunity to become a leading case study of success in supporting Black entrepreneurs. The digital divide, lack of high-speed internet access, and dependence on necessity entrepreneurship are major hurdles that need to be addressed. Heartland Forward's report provides insights and recommendations for the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Memphis, including moving resources to facilitate experimentation, ensuring high-speed internet access, and fostering mentoring opportunities [3059d755].
It is up to Memphis' leaders, business community, and residents to rally behind Black entrepreneurs and provide the support and resources they need to succeed [3059d755].
Many American historians and education experts agree that K-12 schools' history curricula should include the accomplishments and achievements of Black Americans. Quartz highlights several Black entrepreneurs throughout US history who have made significant contributions to the American economy. They include Frank McWorter, a former slave who founded the town of New Philadelphia, Illinois; Clara Brown, a Colorado real estate mogul and the first female member of the Colorado Pioneer Association; Elijah McCoy, the inventor of the automatic engine lubricator; Maggie Lena Walker, the first American woman to own a bank; and O.W. Gurley, the founder of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The article also mentions other influential Black entrepreneurs such as Paul Cuffee, Annie Turnbo Malone, Madam C.J. Walker, and Reginald Lewis [daa53761].
TheGrio's article explores five ways in which Black people have contributed to building America. It challenges the myth that white people solely created the country and highlights the significant contributions of Black doctors, scientists, innovators, and activists. The article discusses the achievements of Dr. Charles Drew in developing a system for collecting and storing blood, the impact of Henrietta Lacks' cells in medical research, the role of Onesimus in introducing inoculation to American medicine, the contributions of Black delivery drivers in creating professional emergency medical care, and the activism of Tunis Campbell in advocating for voting rights. It also emphasizes the role of Black people in shaping America's economy through their agricultural knowledge and inventions, such as introducing wheat, cultivating tobacco, and creating tools for crop production. Additionally, the article highlights the historical significance of Black education and the establishment of the first statewide public school system in South Carolina by Black elected officials. The author challenges the notion that Black people did not value education and emphasizes the contributions they made to shaping the American education system. The article concludes by acknowledging the complexities of American history and the contributions of both Black and white individuals [4ea2e1b8].
Memphis Mayor Paul Young believes that investing in arts and culture is crucial for the city's economic development. He argues that young talent, which is sought after by companies, is attracted to cities with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Young plans to establish an office of arts and culture within city government to support creatives in various fields. He also wants to highlight Memphis's African American culture and history as a way to attract diverse talent and promote the city's identity. Young sees arts and culture as a tool for improving public safety and revitalizing downtown Memphis. The city has seen recent developments in its convention center, riverfront park, and upcoming music festival [4fc0e635].
The Creating Justice Los Angeles Peace and Healing Center in Skid Row recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. The center offers free coffee, a book club, a meditation room, and other services. Pastor Stephen "Cue" Jn-marie stated that the center focuses on social healing, economic healing, and environmental healing. The center is open to both housed and unhoused community members and aims to provide a space for social, emotional, and physical rest. The center also supports the entrepreneurial spirit in the community and hires local food vendors and artists to celebrate its anniversary. Creating Justice LA used its reserves to open the center and has experienced delays in city grant payments. However, they plan to keep their doors open and continue their mission regardless of funding. The center aims to combat mental health stigmas and foster a sense of belonging in the community [eafe96f9] [516bb046].