I could feel the energy on Saturday afternoon along Birmingham’s historic 4th Avenue business district. Twenty Black-owned businesses came together to showcase their best achievements in the ‘Better Together Black Business Market’. The Datus Henry Health and Wellness CBD Store was launched shortly after the start of the pandemic. “So in the beginning it was difficult to bring staff in because of the regulations,” says owner Christopher Packer. But the company’s online business has performed well even during uncertain times. Urban Impact, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers for black business owners, helped organize and host this weekend’s Black Business Market. The long-term goal is to ensure that black-owned businesses are at the forefront of local economies. So we’re looking to create opportunities for new businesses to connect, network, and build community with Black people. It’s a business that already exists,” explains Urban Impact Project Manager Courtney Craig. More important than ever, especially in coming out of a three-year pandemic that has forever changed the economic landscape. “It’s a lonely environment to be an entrepreneur or a small business owner, and I think they’re the ones who have been hit the hardest by the pandemic,” added Craig. Managers say they are proud to be able to contribute to the revitalization of a memorable community. “It’s very exciting,” said Packer. “I remember my parents taking us shopping here when we were kids. We left for school and now we can come back and really be a part of history.” Urban Impact says it has “somewhat” been able to bounce back after the pandemic. The nonprofit says it’s important to ensure it has the resources and support it needs to have a strong presence in Birmingham.
I could feel the energy on Saturday afternoon along Birmingham’s historic 4th Avenue business district.
Twenty Black-owned businesses came together to showcase their best achievements in the ‘Better Together Black Business Market’. The Datus Henry Health and Wellness CBD Store was launched shortly after the start of the pandemic.
“So in the beginning it was difficult to bring staff in because of the regulations,” says owner Christopher Packer.
However, the company’s online business has thrived during uncertain times.
Urban Impact, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers for black business owners, helped organize and host this weekend’s Black Business Market. The long-term goal is to ensure that black-owned businesses are at the forefront of local economies.
“So we seek to create opportunities for new businesses to connect with existing businesses, build networks and build communities,” explains Urban Impact Project Manager Courtney Craig. .
More important than ever, especially those born out of a three-year-long pandemic that has forever changed the economic landscape.
“Being an entrepreneur or a small business owner is a lonely environment.
Managers say they are proud to be able to contribute to the revitalization of a memorable community.
“It’s exciting,” said Packer. “I remember my parents taking us shopping here when we were kids. We left for school and now we can come back and really be a part of history.”
As for whether black business owners have truly bounced back after the pandemic, Urban Impact says “to some extent.” The nonprofit says it’s important to ensure it has the necessary resources and support in order to have a strong presence in Birmingham.
