[Washington, D.C., June 22, 2023] – The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the national voice of Black business, issued a public statement and Call to Action in support of Black business owners and entrepreneurs of color in the state of Florida.
“As Black Americans grapple with the contentious political climate taking hold in Florida, among other states nationwide, USBC recognizes the importance of uplifting and safeguarding Black voices while advancing our economic power and small business community in the stride for justice and democratic harmony,” said USBC President & CEO Ronald Busby, Sr. “While we remain a nonpartisan business organization with a mission to expand economic opportunity for our community on a global scale, we are aware of the many challenges impacting the everyday lives of Black Floridians and stand with them in their quest for justice and equity.”
As we continue to recognize the dismal challenges facing Black Floridian entrepreneurs and commemorate the Juneteenth holiday this week, we are pleased to announce our Call to Action to support the thousands of Black businesses throughout the state. This Call to Action comes at a time as we highlight the state of Florida has the second-most Black-owned businesses in the country, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce. With more than 250,000 Black-owned businesses, research indicates our firms collectively employ nearly 80,000 Floridians and represent an annual payroll of $2.63 billion.
In recognition of these significant contributions, USBC calls upon Florida residents and individuals traveling to stand in solidarity by supporting Black-owned businesses in their communities through our groundbreaking platform, ByBlack. The ByBlack Platform, a first-of-its-kind National Directory and Certification Program, provides a comprehensive resource for locating and engaging with Black-owned businesses across the country.
Within the state of Florida, ByBlack showcases thousands of businesses that offer a wide range of products and services. Additionally, curated city guides within the platform help highlight local Black businesses and events centered on the Juneteenth holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
In partnership with our partners centered on protecting the civil liberties of marginalized Americans, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. remains committed to advocating for the rights and success of Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and the broader Black community. Through initiatives like the ByBlack Platform, we aim to bridge the economic gap and create opportunities for long-term prosperity.
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About the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) is the voice of Black business owners and a top advocate for resources and policies that impact Black business owners. To learn more visit: usblackchambers.org
About the ByBlack Platform
ByBlack is the first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation. ByBlack provides businesses an approved accreditation trusted by customers and enables consumers and other companies to easily find U.S.-based Black-owned businesses. The ByBlack directory enables Black-owned businesses to network, partner with others in the community, increase their visibility and expand revenue opportunities. Businesses can complete the ByBlack certification process or create a directory profile by visiting byblack.us.
