What is the Plan?

Given the dire economic condition of the Black community; Black community organizations, churches and business owners have come together to put forth a Plan for Black Economic Empowerment
in New York City and State that posits legislative, policy and funding remedies. The aim is
to develop and grow financially sustainable Black businesses in New York City from 2% to 22%
by 2022.

Key Initiatives

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis,
New York’s Black business community had been battling prohibitive government procurement policies, gentrification, and ineffective legislation that resulted in the demise of thousands of Black businesses. Four (4) key areas critical to the survival of NYC's  Black community are 1) Govern-ment Procurement and Contracts, 2) Business Resiliency, 3) Houses of Worship as essential workers and 4) Affordable Housing. 

Why Black
Businesses Matter!

The Black Tax, the cost of being Black in America, has resulted in
a state of crisis for Black businesses. This crisis is symbolic of "canaries in the mine" as noted by Charlene Rhinehart in July 2019 Black Enterprise article – Black Wealth May Fall to Zero by 2053. The facts make it clear that Black businesses are dying, and in need of an intentional strategic plan before they become extinct
in the 21st century.

Who supports
the plan?

The Black community cannot afford the luxury of supporting politicians that do not support the Black community. Many politicians have been in office for 10, 15 and 20+ years, yet the physical and economic health of the Black community is largely stagnant and in a state of decline. They want us to believe our current state rest on Donald Trump’s back and ignore the fact that they were there long before Donald Trump even thought about becoming president. Those who are unwilling to acknowledge and feign ignorance of the dire state of Black businesses are not deserving of the Black vote. The Black vote is valuable; please do not just give it away!

Congressional Black Caucus or is it the Congressional Minority Caucus?

On March 20, 2020, the Congressional Black Caucus
sent a letter to House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Schumer with the stated purpose of offering proposals to assist Black people as Congress negotiated the third COVID-19 funding package totaling $2T.
The letter proposed 94 initiatives totaling approximately $450 Billion. Only 3 of the 94 initiatives spoke directly to Black people.
The other 91 spoke to ''small' and 'minority' owned businesses. Lastly, only $10 Million of the $450B was asked to be designated for Black businesses across America. That amounts to $3.86 for each of Amerca's 2.6M Black-owned businesses. Yeah! You
got it - $3.86 each.

2020 and 2021 Elections

Black businesses in America are deserving of more because some had a 400 year head start and others just got here!  Elected officials must put measures in place that will ensure the economic health of the Black community during and after the current COVID-19 crisis. NY’s Black business community which includes the faith community and non-profits is watching. The degree to which COVID-19 emergency and recovery spending reaches us will be our litmus test for NYC, NYS and Federal candidates seeking political office during the 2020 and 2021 election seasons.

Byron Allen Loses Racial Discrimination Supreme Court Case. What Happens Next?

African American Wealth May Fall to Zero By 2053. This cannot be the legacy we leave for our children!

Will COVID-19 be the death knell to Black businesses? Relief funding is not trickling down to the Black community!