Gov. Whitmer Recognizes Black Entrepreneurs Day in Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2024

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Gov. Whitmer Recognizes Black Entrepreneurs Day in Michigan

Celebrating the innovation, resilience, and contribution of Black entrepreneurs across the state

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer recognizes Black Entrepreneurs Day in Michigan, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and significant contributions of Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the state. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role Black entrepreneurs play in Michigan's economy, creating jobs and fostering innovation in industries ranging from tech and healthcare to retail and education.

"Black entrepreneurs are a cornerstone of Michigan's economy. Today, we honor their incredible contributions to move our state forward," said Governor Whitmer. "From small businesses on Livernois, to groundbreaking startups, Black-owned entrepreneurs are creating jobs, building wealth and enriching our communities. As we celebrate Black Entrepreneurs Day, we recommit ourselves to breaking down barriers, expanding access to capital, and ensuring that every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their race or background. Let's keep working to make Michigan the best place to start and grow a business."

"The minds and muscle of Black entrepreneurs have helped make Michigan a state of dreamers, doers, and innovators who get things done," said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "As a Black entrepreneur myself, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of staring and building a business. Black entrepreneurs show grit, determination, and tenacity, excelling despite historical barriers. Today, we celebrate those who are standing tall in their communities, creating jobs, and fueling economic growth. We will keep working to lower barriers and build a more equitable environment where all entrepreneurs can thrive."

"Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs contribute to the economy by creating jobs within our communities, while generating wealth for the next generation," said Crystal Williams, President and CEO, Crystal Vision Communications. "As this current business climate is to suppress the progress of 60 years of Civil Rights, it is imperative that we continue to fight, dream big, and celebrate our successes."

"As a Black entrepreneur and the founder of the McCrory Center, I am driven by a passion for improving the lives of those in my community, particularly the most vulnerable among us," said Tammy McCrory, founder of the McCrory Center. "My journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to create a space that provides high-quality care and support for families in an underserved area. Entrepreneurship is important because it allows us to address unmet needs in our communities and to drive positive change from the ground up. Through my work, I have been fortunate to contribute to the health and well-being of families across the state of Michigan. By focusing on the early identification and treatment of neurodevelopment disorders, maternal infant health, as well as providing training for future professionals, I am not only helping individuals but also strengthening our community's overall health infrastructure. Entrepreneurship has empowered me to lead initiatives that improve behavioral health outcomes and has given me the opportunity to mentor the next generation of leaders in our field. As we continue to face challenges in behavioral health, the role of Black entrepreneurs becomes even more crucial. We need more diverse voices and perspectives to innovate and push our communities forward, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for all."

"Empowering underserved communities is crucial to Michigan's economic growth," said Sylvester L. Hester, President & CEO of LM Manufacturing. "At LM Manufacturing, we believe diverse leadership, inclusive innovation, and growth from within are key to unlocking opportunities and driving progress. By prioritizing people and fostering a culture that reflects the richness of diversity in Michigan's workforce and communities, we can radically transform the health, wealth, and educational opportunities of those who need it most. When everyone has a chance to thrive, labor participation grows, and Michigan's economy thrives too."

"Being a Black entrepreneur is a blessing. I think it is a part of our Human Rights," said Debra J. White-Hunt, BA, MEd Co-Founder/Artistic Director Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy. "Entrepreneurship to me as a Black person is the ability to work, serve and blossom in the capacity and calling of which I was created to be on this earth. Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy is an entity of 40+ year of providing services in the dance arts to the greater Detroit-Windsor community. Being an entrepreneur and a founder of our nonprofit brings with it a freedom of imagination and creativity that allows for me to care, conserve and sustain the community in which I was planted. Knowing my culture and the needs of my greater native community allows me to educate and celebrate and share all that the 'original' art form of dance has brought to our planet. As I write this piece, returning from Tulsa, Oklahoma where I had the opportunity to study the GREENWOOD history, it is even more important to be an entrepreneur in Detroit, continuing to tell a story that only an 'original' entrepreneur can. You are not bound by rules established by others, to tell the story that everyone cannot. As a Black entrepreneur in Detroit, we want to share our entire rich history and culture with the world. We have reached more than 15,000 students and continue to sow in the garden as ground keepers of our earth."

"After retiring from GM, I purchased and operated several companies," said Alfonzo Hall (AL), Group President & CEO Wolverine Assemblies, LLC. "I am currently President & CEO of a joint venture. My passion is providing opportunity and the ability to develop generational wealth in minority and disadvantaged communities. We hire immigrants and returning citizens providing them with the support and opportunity to be productive members of the community. This is my chosen mission, and I believe I am making a difference in people's lives as well as running a successful and growing company. I want to thank the MMSDC which has been a clear enabler for my success."

"For me, entrepreneurship has always been about more than just building a business," said Tamira Chapman, President and CEO Storehouse In A Box, LLC. "It's about creating opportunities for people to take control of their own futures. Many of us want the ability to build something ourselves-something we can be proud of, something that creates generational wealth. When people can do that, it empowers them and uplifts entire communities from within. Through Storehouse In A Box, an MCSB awardee and one of Michigan's largest shippers serving over 100,000 customers, we've been fortunate to make a significant contribution to Michigan's economy, generating over $200 million in revenue with a customer base spanning 12 countries and all 50 states. More importantly, we are committed to giving back by supporting nonprofits and creating jobs that make a positive impact in our communities. I believe that increasing support for Black entrepreneurs will further strengthen our communities and our state as a whole. Michigan has tremendous potential, and by fostering entrepreneurship-especially in underrepresented communities-we can unlock even greater opportunities and drive meaningful change."