WHEREAS, the month of August is observed as National Black Business Month, recognizing the successes, milestones, and historical progress of Black businesses and entrepreneurs; and

WHEREAS, throughout history, despite facing systemic racism, redlining, and even extreme violence, as evidenced through the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, Black businesses continue to grow and thrive throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, despite being systematically isolated from investment capital, development resources, and digital visibility, businesses owned by Black women nationwide have increased by a 12% annual growth rate over the last year, compared to 8% between 2014 and 2019. Additionally, Black women-owned business accounts for 21% of all women-owned businesses in the United States; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that Black businesses have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, which forced many businesses to close, and has resulted in a 40% drop in Black business ownership nationwide; and

WHEREAS, this year, as Black businesses continue to recover from economic losses onset by the pandemic, National Black Business Month deserves to be recognized, supported and celebrated; and

WHEREAS, we invite residents, fellow business owners, and employees to learn about, support, and explore our local Black businesses by visiting utahblackpages.com. Launched by the Utah Black Chamber and Podium in 2020, utahblackpages.com is the state’s first website to connect customers with Black-owned health and wellness, beauty, technology, financial services organizations, nonprofits, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City values the impact and influence of Black businesses by supporting the Utah Black Chamber, the Black Owned Business Expo, and administering the City’s Economic Development programs equitably; and

WHEREAS, we invite both Black and fellow businesses to visit utahblackchamber.com and join, explore, and contribute to the resources of the Utah Black Chamber and the Black Success Center; which connect Black businesses to the digital visibility, business development, corporate sponsorships, funding, and other essential resources needed to grow, expand, and thrive as a business.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim August 2022 as:

Black-Owned Business Month in Salt Lake City

To view an electronic copy of the signed proclamation, click here.