| Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans – past and present. We are fortunate to live in an area closely connected to the Civil Rights Movement, and the men and women who dedicate their lives to equal rights. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, the Reverend Nicholas Hood, Sr., Coleman Young, Benjamin Lambert, Malcolm X, Dr. Rosa Gragg, Fannie Richards and countless others have made history right here in Detroit.
Many others are continuing to work to ensure that all Detroiters have access to employment, opportunity and prosperity. As the great Nelson Mandela once said, “We must work together to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunity, and power in our society.”
I’m very proud that for more than 42 years, the DEGC has been driving the City’s economic development. This includes empowering Detroit’s Black business community through a variety of initiatives, including business attraction, business retention and entrepreneurship.
Our Motor City Match (MCM) program, which provides resources to launch local small businesses, is helping to create a new generation of Black business owners. More than 80 percent of MCM recipients are minority entrepreneurs – and the majority of them are female. You’ll find Black business owners in every sector – health care, personal styling, fashion, along with other various in-demand goods and services.
As you honor Detroit’s civil rights heroes, take the time to celebrate Detroit’s Black businesses, especially the restaurants. Listed below are just a few of Detroit’s Black-owned restaurants and food service providers, many of which are MCM winners:
- Detroit Vegan Soul
- Good Cakes and Bakes
- Table No 2
- Ella Mae’s Place
- Cooking With Que
- Yum Village
- Norma G’s
- Good Times on the Ave.
- Kuzzo’s
- Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
- Louisiana Creole Gumbo
- Detroit Pepper Company
This month, the City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity Department is hosting events to connect entrepreneurship and civic engagement, as well as non-profit and community leaders. A full list of City-sponsored events can be found here. Additionally, Visit Detroit offers the ultimate guide to Black History Month in Detroit. This includes a list of tours, museum events, retail offerings and activities at historic locations such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Please take the time to visit the historical sites that preserve Black history and highlight the stories of courageous and talented Black Detroiters. Make your tribute to Black History count by supporting the men and women who are changing Detroit’s economy today. |
