Mayor John Cooper recognized National Black Business Month by hosting and attending a series of events aimed at highlighting some of Nashville’s Black business owners. He encouraged residents to support and learn more about African American-owned businesses across the Metro Nashville area.

“Nashville’s Black-owned businesses are an essential part of the cultural and economic fabric in our city,” said Mayor Cooper. “As mayor, I will continue to pursue equitable initiatives and policies that drive prosperity for minority-owned businesses and encourage entrepreneurship. Earlier this summer, I announced a $10 million investment to transform Burrus Hall on Fisk University’s campus into an innovation incubator. Modeled after similar programs at top universities around the country, the new Burrus Hall will host tech boot camps, mentoring programs, classes, workshops, and events to assist emerging entrepreneurs and spur business development right in the middle of the Jefferson Street corridor.”

On August 5, Mayor Cooper attended the Nashville Black Market, which spotlights more than 40 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs the first Friday of each month at the Nashville Farmer’s Market.

On Sunday, August 14, Mayor Cooper will visit the Black Business Month Expo, which will feature more than 40 minority-owned businesses selling their goods and services. Cooper will also have conversations with local Black entrepreneurs and business owners including Rhonda Cammon, creator/CEO of Perfectly Cordial; Chef Star Maye, executive chef/co-owner of Anzie Blue Café in Hillsboro Village; and David Swett of Swett’s Restaurant.

National Black Business Month was created in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan, Sr. to bring attention to the needs of more than two million Black-owned businesses operating across America.