January 28th 2025.
According to a report by Fox 2 Detroit, the Michigan Black Business Alliance has been actively advocating for Black-owned businesses within the state, especially in light of President Donald Trump's push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) bans. With the recent termination of DEI programs at the federal level, many companies, including Target, have been rolling back their diversity initiatives. However, MBBA remains determined to be the voice that celebrates the 2,000 minority-owned businesses across the Great Lakes state.
President and CEO Charity Dean shared that despite some pushback, there are businesses who have made it clear that they will not back down and will instead double down on their commitment to diversity and inclusion. In these uncertain times, Dean believes that it is crucial for elected officials and corporations to have the courage to stand up for what is right.
The events of 2020, including the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, have brought about a heightened awareness of the need for DEI programs. Many corporations have since adopted ideologies to enhance diversity initiatives and create more opportunities for minority and Black-owned businesses. However, recent surveys and data have shown a slight decline in people's belief in the effectiveness of these programs. This is where groups like MBBA come in, disproving the notion that these programs are not beneficial, especially in cities like Detroit, which is home to approximately 50,000 Black-owned businesses.
When the city was chosen to host the 2024 NFL Draft, MBBA noticed that a number of minority businesses were not included in the planning. They stepped in to promote inclusivity and ensure that these businesses were given the opportunity to participate. Dean highlighted that such opportunities not only benefit individual businesses, but also address the larger issue of the racial wealth gap in America.
Speaking on the racial wealth gap, Dean stated, "There is a wealth gap in our country, whether we acknowledge it or not, and it is a racial wealth gap. Black families and white families - the white families are going to have nine times the wealth of a Black family with the same education and income." This is a staggering statistic that further emphasizes the importance of organizations like MBBA and their efforts to support and uplift Black-owned businesses.
MBBA's dedication to helping businesses thrive is evident in their recent expansion. In December 2024, they moved into a new, larger space in downtown Detroit, doubling the size of their headquarters. This new space, called the BLK Biz Hub, provides over 1,800 members with access to a coworking lounge, classrooms, private desks for rent, conference rooms, and a wellness center. Additionally, food vendors who are members of MBBA can now also host pop-up events.
However, their plans for growth do not end there. Dean envisions an even larger space in the future, but for now, members are already seeing the benefits of the provided space. Member Ebony Cochran, who owns Blackwood Credit Services, was able to meet with MBBA's Chief Strategy Officer Kai Bowman to create a program that educates current and aspiring business owners on the importance of credit. Cochran expressed her gratitude, stating, "Having this space to meet with someone who runs MBBA and for them to take the time to help me is priceless. You can't pay enough for that type of access. Now I know that if this program isn't executed correctly, it's because of me, not because I didn't have the information."
In addition to their efforts to support Black-owned businesses, MBBA was recently awarded a $100,000 federal grant to further their mission. With this continued support and dedication, MBBA is making a positive impact on the lives of many minority business owners.
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