Celebrating Atlanta’s Black-Owned Businesses on WAOK’s “Too Much Truth”
A recent celebration took place in Atlanta where black-owned businesses were given the opportunity to share their stories, network, and gain visibility. The event hosted by WAOK’s radio program “Too Much Truth with Derek Boazman,” took place at Mr. Everything Cafe and aimed to honor and support local black-owned businesses that are often overlooked.
The event highlighted the range of businesses presiding in Atlanta, from salons and natural skin care products to libraries and organizations offering support for at-risk youth. The business owners gathered at Mr. Everything Cafe, a family-owned business in Atlanta, to mingle and gain recognition for their businesses.
A Boost to the Business Community
The event also recognized the challenges that many small businesses face when it comes to marketing and advertising their products or services. Businesses often have the passion and the product, but marketing can remain a hurdle that can hinder growth. Joyce Littel, WAOK’s brand manager, brought this concern to light during the event.
Joyce Littel said, “A lot of times, they can get the business started. If it’s a brick-and-mortar, they can build it. They can do everything to get it up and running but sometimes they don’t save enough for a marketing team,” she added, “If we can play a part in their success by giving them an opportunity to talk about their business, talk about their service, talk about their products — that’s what the voice of the community, WAOK, is and will forever be.”
Littel’s words marked the beginning of a new wave of acknowledgement for these black-owned businesses. Her hope is that through initiatives like these, more opportunities will come their way.
Sparking Change within the Community
Jason Aldredge, a Los Angeles native and owner of Compromising Choices, an at-risk youth organization, was also present at the event to voice the imperative role his organization plays in Atlanta. Having been an at-risk youth himself, Aldredge understands the struggles these young men face and the impact of choices they make early on in life. His organization aims to help these young men make better choices, offering mentorship in schools and prisons, highlighting a much-needed change in the society.
Community leader and owner of Conyers book store, Tree of Knowledge, Henry M. Carter, stressed the importance of supporting black businesses and creating an interconnected community system. Based on a 2019 CNBC report, Carter threw light on the $1.4 trillion buying power of Black Americans and how it could uplift the community if invested in black-owned businesses.
Carter said, “We need to start authentically supporting black businesses and create an ecosystem where we can recycle that dollar. And we’ll begin to see better schools, we’ll begin to see better housing. You’ll begin to see our young people more engaged and empowered because they’re working at these businesses that can mentor them.”
In the current landscape where racial disparities are prevalent, initiatives like this are a breath of fresh air. They not only ensure that black-owned businesses are recognized and celebrated but also act as a catalyst for change within the community.
