Support Black Business Month

August is Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and amplify Black leadership in economic development and entrepreneurship across the country. Today we want to reflect on the importance of amplifying Black leadership in diversifying our economy and helping make the transition from an extractive economy to one that is thriving, just, and sustainable. There can be no climate justice without racial justice.

Across Alaska, we are straining our pocketbooks to pay ever-increasing utilities, food costs, and gas while simultaneously, our climate is in crisis. It has never been more evident: we desperately need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and create safe jobs that grow our workforce, sustain our resources, and help our communities thrive. This transition can range from new regenerative businesses like kelp harvesting, to broad-based investment in renewable energy, to supporting our small local artisans and businesses. However, the policies and projects we move forward with are only part of the solution. In supporting a just transition in Alaska, we also need to consider who is moving this process forward and ensure a diversity of representation in leaders and business owners. 

Alaska and our country have been built on exploitation and extraction. Black and marginalized communities have carried an overwhelming environmental burden for centuries. Despite facing disproportionate impacts of the climate, economic, and health crises, Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color are at the forefront of developing new, innovative, and regenerative economies that support sustainable growth. By supporting this work, we can change the story of what economic development looks like in Alaska and take steps toward economic justice. 

There is inspired Black leadership across our state, creating new opportunities for all Alaskans. Check out the Alaska Black Business Directory to support Black businesses in your community.

If you are in Anchorage, we encourage you to attend these amazing events brought to you by Umoja CoWorking and Incubator space and The Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce:

  • Business Mixer: 6PM August 27 at Umoja Coworking Space “Network, connect, build and learn how Black Chambers help.” Onsite Childcare provided
  • Business & Economic Empowerment Retreat: September 17 at Dimond Center Hotel.
    “Take some time to recharge and focus on your economic growth and development while hearing from State and National Speakers to include Calvin Martyr, Founder Blackout Coalition.”

    To register to attend or sponsor or donate (All amounts help- both monetary and in-kind) check out this link: www.alaskablackbusinessdirectory.com/support

    For more info and to get involved in either of these events email alaskablackchamberofcommerce@gmail.com

A just transition is for all of us, and we can get there by supporting the innovators in the new economy we are building.

The Alaska Center

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