Declare Black Business Month

Assembly Resolution No. 403 BY: M. of A. Jackson MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2025, as Black Business Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to declare official months that are set aside to recognize the importance of the rich and diverse heritage of our great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2025, as Black Business Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Black Business Month; and WHEREAS, August 1, 2025, marks the beginning of National Black Business Month (NBBM), an annual observance which highlights the importance of Black businesses to the Black community as well as the national economy; and WHEREAS, Among many outcomes, this auspicious celebration generates awareness for the policy issues affecting Black entrepreneurship; and WHEREAS, Black business owners own 3.5 million businesses and employ more than 1.2 million people, which represents an annual increase of over 7 percent in people employed by Black entrepreneurs, demonstrating the great importance of Black businesses in our local, state, and national economies; and WHEREAS, National Black Business Month was founded by Frederick E. Jordan, an engineering entrepreneur, and John William Templeton, of eAccess Corp; it is their belief that supporting Black businesses is key to lowering the rate of Black unemployment; and WHEREAS, Black Business Month can be celebrated in many ways depending on individual preferences and abilities, and all are encouraged to intentionally shop at, engage with, and promote Black-owned businesses and business leaders; and WHEREAS, Black Business Month is recognized by companies and organizations as well, with some corporations hosting programs such as "Buy Black Market," where shoppers can buy from local Black-owned businesses throughout the month; and WHEREAS, Patronizing Black-owned establishments, including restaurants, manufacturers, theaters, attorneys, doctors, auto dealers, newspapers, book publishers, breweries, farmers, and churches, could result in profound economic successes and countless more jobs; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and support those annual commemorations which are observed to improve the quality and dignity of life of those they represent, to preserving their heritage, and to fostering pride among them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2025, as Black Business Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.