As
August approaches, travelers and conscious consumers have a unique opportunity
to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses during National Black Business
Month. This annual observance highlights the vital contributions of Black
business owners and organizations to our economy and communities. If you're
looking to make your travel more meaningful during this Black Business Month,
consider traveling to these five cities where you can support Black nonprofit
organizations that are making a difference:
Charlotte, NC - Historic West End
Partners
Charlotte,
known as the Queen City, is rapidly expanding. Amidst this growth, nonprofit
organizations like Historic West End Partners work to maintain the Historic
West End neighborhood's cultural identity and foster economic development. This neighborhood includes some of
Charlotte's oldest African American and racially integrated neighborhoods.
Homes in the Historic West End community date back to the first half of the
20th century. Historic West End partners support the community by
working on various development projects, including revitalizing historic sites,
supporting local businesses, and promoting cultural heritage.
Things to Do To Support Historic West
End Partners While You’re Visiting:
- Take a walking tour of the
Historic West End neighborhood.
- Visit Mosaic Village and
enjoy unobstructed views.
- Support local restaurants and
dine in the Five Points Plaza.
Why Support Historic West End
Partners:
This
nonprofit organization is dedicated to the sustainable development of
Charlotte's Historic West End neighborhood. It ensures that long-time residents
benefit from the area's growth without the threat of gentrification. Your
support helps maintain the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage while
promoting equitable development.
Jacksonville, FL - The Clara White
Mission
Jacksonville
has a significant Black history and is home to the Clara White Mission. Clara
White's "mission" began in her home with her desire to help others in
need. Legally organized in 1904, the agency officially became The Clara White
Mission in 1928. The Eartha White Farm & Market is one of the initiatives
of the Clara White Mission that promotes sustainable agriculture, supports
local farmers, and provides fresh food to the community. The farm features a
community garden intended to help improve food security in the local area. Eartha’s Farm and Market recently
held the grand opening for The Eartha White Community History and Education
Center. This facility offers rotating exhibits, educational programming and
community tours.
Eartha's Farm & Market is also home
to The Herban Bee Program. This program addresses the social and economic
barriers to beekeeping in Jacksonville and provides hands-on experiences in
beekeeping. The Herban Bee integrates beekeeping in urban neighborhoods and
exposes disadvantaged communities to agriculture.
Things to Do To Support The Clara
White Mission While You’re Visiting
- Visit Eartha's Farm and
participate in workshops about urban farming and sustainable food practices.
- Purchase fresh produce at
Eartha’s Market.
- Tour The Eartha White
Community History and Education Center and the Eartha M. M. White Historical
Museum.
- Take a beekeeping class with
The Herban Bee at their community apiary.
Why Support The Clara White Mission:
Supporting
The Clara White Mission contributes to sustainable agriculture and promotes
health and wellness in the community. This innovative nonprofit transforms
Jacksonville's food landscape by providing fresh, locally-grown food to
underserved communities. Your support will contribute to the organization's
mission of promoting food security and environmental sustainability.
Members of ACANA outside of their office in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: ACANA)
Philadelphia, PA - African Cultural
Alliance of North American (ACANA)
Philadelphia
is known for its historical significance and vibrant cultural scene. The city
is home to the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA). This
nonprofit organization provides social, cultural, and economic support to
African and Caribbean immigrants in the Philadelphia area.
ACANA
has several departments, including a legal department that specializes in
complex cases and a Health Department that provides health education and
screening for major preventable and manageable diseases. ACANA's community
development department provides resources to needy community residents
regardless of background and promotes neighborhood revitalization.
Additionally,
with the design of several programs funded by the Philadelphia Department of
Commerce and implemented by ACANA, public sector resources are available to
Black-owned businesses in Africatown to drive economic development initiatives
to create jobs, increase business ownership, and eliminate poverty in the local
community.
ACANA
hosts various cultural events, music festivals, and community programs
throughout the year that celebrate African culture and heritage. Every August,
ACANA holds its annual African Festival in the community, and visitors to the
city are invited!
Things to Do To Support ACANA While
You’re Visiting:
- Check out Acana Fest this
August.
- Participate in ACANA's
cultural events.
- Attend one of ACANA’s African
dance and music classes.
Why Support ACANA:
ACANA
provides essential services to African and Caribbean immigrants, including
legal aid, health services, and cultural preservation programs. By supporting
ACANA, travelers can experience Philadelphia's rich cultural diversity while
contributing to a nonprofit that is making a positive impact on the community.
Portland, OR - Oregon Black Pioneers
Portland,
known for its vibrant arts scene and progressive culture, is home to the Oregon
Black Pioneers. This nonprofit organization aims to preserve and promote the
history of African Americans in Oregon. It conducts extensive research and
hosts exhibitions highlighting Black pioneers' contributions to the state. The
Oregon Black Pioneers also collaborate with local schools and community groups
to promote education and awareness.
For
travelers who love to explore, the organization's interactive map allows them
to explore Portland and the state of Oregon. The map provides points of
interest throughout Oregon that have African American historical significance,
allowing travelers to learn about the rich history of Black Oregonians.
Things to Do To Support Oregon Black
Pioneers While You’re Traveling:
- Use the interactive map to
plan a tour to discover Portland's hidden Black history.
Why Support Oregon Black Pioneers:
This
organization works to preserve, research, recognize, and commemorate the
culture and heritage of African Americans in Oregon. Your support will help
ensure these important stories are maintained and shared with future
generations.
Exhibit within the Greenwood Rising Museum in Tulsa. (Photo Credit: Greenwood Rising)
Tulsa, OK - Greenwood Rising
Tulsa
is known for being the site of one of the most significant events in Black
American history—the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Greenwood Rising is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history and culture.
It is a museum that offers educational programs, historical tours, and cultural
events that shed light on the contributions of the Black community in Tulsa.
Things to Do to Support Greenwood
Rising While You’re Traveling
- Visit Greenwood Rising, a
state-of-the-art museum and history center.
- Participate in walking tours
that highlight historical sites and significant events.
- Explore the Greenwood
District, once known as "Black Wall Street."
Why Support Greenwood Rising:
This
museum and history center not only commemorates the tragic events of the 1921
Tulsa Race Massacre but also educates and inspires by celebrating the
entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of Tulsa's Black community. Your visit to
Greenwood Rising will support the organization's mission of contributing to
ongoing education and reconciliation efforts, honoring the legacy of Black Wall
Street, and fostering economic empowerment.
Black
Business Month is an opportune time to recognize and support Black-owned
nonprofits that play a crucial role in our communities. This month, consider
combining your vacation with a mission to help. Explore Charlotte,
Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Portland, or Tulsa, where you can make a
significant impact by visiting and supporting Black nonprofit organizations
that are making a difference through their community initiatives.
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