August is National Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses across the United States. Established in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Fredrick E. Jordan, this annual observance aims to spotlight the needs of Black business owners and foster economic empowerment within Black communities. 

In Detroit, a city with a rich history of Black entrepreneurship, the significance of National Black Business Month is underscored by ongoing discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing local Black business owners.  

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Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes speaks with Bartel Welch, president of The Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce, and Kai Bowman, chief strategy officer at the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), about these issues and how their organizations are addressing them. 

Welch and Bowman discuss the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs through growth initiatives, sustainability programs, and policy advocacy. Plus, both leaders acknowledge the unique hurdles faced by Black entrepreneurs, such as securing financing and expanding professional networks.

Bowman highlights recent legislative efforts by the MBBA that he hopes will improve access to capital and foster networking opportunities for Black business owners. 

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Watch American Black Journal on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.