In February, ecosystem builders from our five Black Wall Street Forward (BWSF) communities produced a series of events aimed at advancing their local strategic visions and providing a roadmap of what’s to come for their local entrepreneurial ecosystems. These events were spaces of connection, opportunity, engagement, and a chance to provide tangible resources for their local entrepreneurial communities. Collectively, the events drew in more than 200 entrepreneurs and champions serving as testament to the power of coming together, sharing ideas, and fostering environments where Black voices are centered, heard, and valued.
Each of the February Strategic Vision events were spaces of connection for Black entrepreneurs and were thoughtfully curated to facilitate a rich exchange of ideas and uplift the ongoing efforts to enhance the Black entrepreneurial ecosystems in our BWSF cities. We kicked off the month with BWSF Raleigh’s SmallBiz MidDay Soiree, a semi-formal sneaker ball brunch designed to educate, elevate, and celebrate Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. BWSF Winston-Salem followed suit with a dynamic event that introduced a digital asset called the Black Wall Street Experience that aims to support, enhance, and add value to Black businesses and the community at large.
"Each of these events played an important role in advancing the strategic visions of each of the communities."
EBIR Harrison Williams and the BWSF Charlotte team premiered You Are Not Crazy: Arguing Black Entrepreneurship as a Public Health Issue, a community survey turned into a short documentary.
Later in the month, BWSF Charlotte premiered You Are Not Crazy: Arguing Black Entrepreneurship as a Public Health Issue, a community survey turned into a short documentary exploring the mental health journey of local Black entrepreneurs. EBIR Harrison Williams's screenings of You Are Not Crazy highlighted a critical but often overlooked issue: the mental health challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs as they navigate the systems and structures within their local ecosystem. Due to an overwhelming reception, three additional screenings were requested and researchers from UNC Charlotte expressed interest in partnering to deepen research into the mental health of Black entrepreneurs. The immense interest in these screenings underscores the need and desire for more open discussions and support networks addressing the mental health of Charlotte’s Black business owners.
BWSF Fayetteville held an intimate dinner and pitch competition, awarding $2,000 to local entrepreneurs. In Fayetteville, pitch contests are a rarity. Yet, as Fayetteville EBIR Lee Gray pointed out, “these competitions are crucial.” They not only provide a stage for entrepreneurs to showcase their visions and talents but also open doors to invaluable resources, mentorship, and financial backing. BWSF Durham rounded out the series of events with Black to the Future: An afrofuturistic celebration of Black business, awarding another $1,000 to a local entrepreneur in Durham. The event also featured interactive stations paying homage to the Black Wall Street pillars designed to spark conversations about the future of entrepreneurship in Durham and plant the seeds for further collaborations across the ecosystem.
Each of these events played an important role in advancing the strategic visions of each of the communities, offering a much-needed platform for Black business owners to step into the spotlight and gain the recognition and support they deserve. Each city, with its unique ideas about the best ways to enhance their ecosystem, witnessed firsthand the power of coming together to uplift, celebrate, and support their Black entrepreneurial ecosystem. The ripple effects of this magic was felt across all five cities. From sparking discussions on mental health to resourcing and providing a stage for budding entrepreneurs, the events highlight the many ways our communities can come together to support and uplift each other. As we look to the future, we hope to carry forward this momentum and continue to work towards a world where every entrepreneur has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Black Wall Street Forward initiative aims to reshape narratives, engage community leaders and entrepreneurs, and foster sustainable, equitably invested, Black-centric entrepreneurial communities.
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