Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially recognized October 14 as Black Entrepreneurs Day in Michigan, celebrating the innovation, resilience, and contributions of Black business owners across the state. This day is deeper than a symbolic gesture but it embodies a celebration of the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in driving Michigan’s economy. From tech startups to community healthcare providers, Black entrepreneurs have become the backbone of industries that impact lives every day.
“Black entrepreneurs are a cornerstone of Michigan’s economy. Today, we honor their incredible contributions to move our state forward,” said Governor Whitmer. From local shops to groundbreaking startups, Black business owners are creating jobs and building wealth in communities that have long been underrepresented.
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, a Black entrepreneur himself, knows firsthand the struggles and triumphs that come with building a business. “As a Black entrepreneur myself, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of starting and building a business. Black entrepreneurs show grit, determination, and tenacity, excelling despite historical barriers.” His message is clear: Black business owners are not only contributors to Michigan’s economy, but they are also living testaments to resilience. Gilchrist reflects the broader truth that, even with the odds stacked against them, Black entrepreneurs continue to rise, creating economic opportunities where none previously existed.
Black business owners are not only focusing on profit; they are using their platforms to address community needs. Crystal Williams, President and CEO of Crystal Vision Communications, understands the significance of this day and what it represents. “As this current business climate is to suppress the progress of 60 years of Civil Rights, it is imperative that we continue to fight, dream big, and celebrate our successes.” Her words serve as a reminder that Black entrepreneurs are pushing forward despite the forces that try to stifle progress. They are building businesses, creating wealth, and uplifting the next generation, all while navigating a business climate that is not always supportive.
Tammy McCrory, founder of the McCrory Center, sees her entrepreneurial journey as a way to meet the urgent needs of her community. “My journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to create a space that provides high-quality care and support for families in an underserved area. Entrepreneurship is important because it allows us to address unmet needs in our communities and to drive positive change from the ground up.” For McCrory, the impact of her business goes far beyond financial gain. It’s about improving lives and strengthening the community’s overall health infrastructure. Through her work, she’s made a difference in the lives of families across Michigan and continues to lead initiatives that empower the next generation of Black leaders.
At LM Manufacturing, Sylvester L. Hester focuses on empowering underserved communities. He understands the importance of lifting up those who have been left behind. “By prioritizing people and fostering a culture that reflects the richness of diversity in Michigan’s workforce and communities, we can radically transform the health, wealth, and educational opportunities of those who need it most.” Hester’s leadership is a testament to the fact that business success doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when communities are empowered, and when people have the resources they need to thrive. He knows that when everyone has an opportunity to succeed, the entire state benefits.
Entrepreneurship for Black business owners is often about more than profit whereas it’s about creating opportunities for others. Tamira Chapman, President and CEO of Storehouse In A Box, LLC, believes in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives. “It’s about creating opportunities for people to take control of their own futures. Many of us want the ability to build something ourselves—something we can be proud of, something that creates generational wealth. When people can do that, it empowers them and uplifts entire communities from within.” Chapman’s work has not only created jobs but has also empowered communities by giving people the tools they need to succeed.
Governor Whitmer’s administration is taking steps to support small businesses, particularly those owned by people from marginalized communities. She signed an executive directive aimed at increasing state procurement and contracts with Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs). This move is intended to ensure that 20% of total expenditures from state departments and agencies go to businesses that have been historically overlooked. Whitmer’s administration is not only recognizing the contributions of Black entrepreneurs but is actively working to level the playing field for all small business owners in Michigan.
Alfonzo Hall, President and CEO of Wolverine Assemblies, LLC, emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship in building generational wealth and providing opportunities for those who need them most. “I am currently President & CEO of a joint venture. My passion is providing opportunity and the ability to develop generational wealth in minority and disadvantaged communities. We hire immigrants and returning citizens providing them with the support and opportunity to be productive members of the community.” For Hall, entrepreneurship is not just a business venture; it is a mission to create lasting change in his community. His work provides jobs and second chances to those who may have been overlooked, helping to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Debra J. White-Hunt, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, views entrepreneurship as an extension of her life’s work. “Being a Black entrepreneur is a blessing. I think it is a part of our Human Rights. Entrepreneurship to me as a Black person is the ability to work, serve, and blossom in the capacity and calling of which I was created to be on this earth.” Her academy has reached over 15,000 students and continues to impact the community through the art of dance. For White-Hunt, entrepreneurship is about freedom—the freedom to tell stories, educate, and uplift her community through the work that she does.
This recognition of Black Entrepreneurs Day is about the collective power of a community that has persevered through generations of challenges. It’s about acknowledging that Black business owners are more than just participants in Michigan’s economy—they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Governor Whitmer’s recognition of this day is a step forward, but it is the work of these entrepreneurs that continues to shape Michigan’s future, creating a more inclusive and prosperous state for all.
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