In the fight to eliminate the racial wealth gap, few organizations are as dedicated and laser-focused as Black Connect. Founded by Angela Majette, this national 501(c)(3) organization is the only membership and chapter-based initiative committed solely to fostering Black entrepreneurship and building Black wealth in America. Black Connect’s impact is felt far and wide, operating with a holistic, community-centered approach to tackle the systemic challenges that have long hindered economic progress for Black Americans.
At the heart of Black Connect’s mission is the advancement of American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) living in low to moderate-income communities. The organization tackles one of the most critical elements of economic equality—business ownership. “We’re focused on increasing the number and success rate of Black-owned businesses and advancing pathways to build Black wealth,” says Majette.
One of the flagship offerings is the Small Business Legal Services Program, which has provided Black entrepreneurs and small business owners with more than a quarter of a million dollars in pro bono legal services. Through this program, Black entrepreneurs are equipped with the legal knowledge they need to build sustainable businesses without the fear of costly mistakes. Additionally, Black Connect runs several unique programs like FeverPitch, a national pitch competition that awards $10,000 business grants, and Order Fulfillment Funding, designed to help entrepreneurs manage cash flow, purchase inventory, and meet large orders.
Other notable initiatives include business mentoring programs that connect entrepreneurs with experts in marketing, financial planning, and technology, as well as the Product Placement Program, which features Black-owned brands in films, commercials, and other media.
Majette’s inspiration for founding Black Connect came from her own experiences as a small business owner. For more than 20 years, she understood firsthand the challenges of navigating entrepreneurship, especially as a Black woman. “Economic independence is the foundation of the struggle for civil rights for Black people in America,” Majette explains. She recognized the lack of networks, resources, and emotional support many Black Americans face when trying to start or maintain a business. That gap in support is what Black Connect aims to fill.
Black Connect’s efforts are already bearing fruit. Entrepreneurs who have participated in their programs have secured life-changing opportunities, such as Justin Buck, a Morehouse College graduate who won FeverPitch in 2023. With the grant, he was able to increase his inventory and get his product, PearL Rolling, into retail outlets. Similarly, BC member Genny Nelson used Black Connect’s support to open her first brick-and-mortar store, One Pup Two Pup, in Brooklyn.
While Black Connect’s programs have been successful, the organization faces a significant challenge—philanthropic redlining. “Philanthropic redlining persists, and most Black-led organizations lack access to major donors,” Majette reveals. This systemic issue has long prevented Black-led nonprofits from receiving the unrestricted funds they need to grow and sustain their operations. Despite this, Black Connect has continued to push forward, securing funding from major supporters like Squarespace and Silicon Valley Bank to provide essential capacity-building resources.
With relatively limited funding, Black Connect has accomplished remarkable feats. Their fevered pursuit of growth and economic empowerment is reflected in their future goals, which include expanding their local chapters beyond New York City, Atlanta, Tampa, and Tulsa, and updating their business networking platform to better serve the Black community. They also plan to increase their staff and roll out new initiatives to further empower Black entrepreneurs.
What makes Black Connect unique is its dual focus on national and local impact. The organization fosters communication and collaboration between its national membership and local chapters, creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem where members can exchange knowledge, resources, and support. This dynamic structure allows Black Connect to function as both a national hub for Black entrepreneurship and a local engine for community-driven change.
This model has already mobilized more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, with 400 actively participating in Black Connect’s programs this year alone. The organization’s reach is only growing, fueled by local chapters and the passion of individuals like Justin Buck, who serves as president of Black Connect’s Atlanta Chapter.
Black Connect’s journey to empower Black entrepreneurs is not without its challenges, but the organization remains resilient. The rising attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and systemic barriers threaten the progress Black Connect has made. Nevertheless, the organization is finding creative ways to circumvent these obstacles. “We are developing alternative approaches to fundraising to get around the systemic barriers,” Majette shares.
The organization’s most urgent needs revolve around funding for general operations, capacity building, hiring staff, and upgrading their technology. Black Connect hopes that increased awareness of the philanthropic redlining issue will inspire more individuals and entities to support their mission.
As Black Connect celebrates its five-year anniversary, the organization looks forward to continued growth and success. They recently hosted a National WealthBuilding Conference in New York City, featuring events like FeverPitch 2024, where hip-hop icon and entrepreneur Styles P served as a judge and received the 2024 Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Black Connect invites everyone to support their anniversary fundraising campaign by donating at Givebutter. Membership is open not only to entrepreneurs but also to any individual or corporation that believes in their mission of economic equality. “Every dollar helps,” Majette emphasizes, as she continues to lead the charge in closing the racial wealth gap, one Black-owned business at a time.
To get involved, visit Black Connect’s website, purchase their anniversary t-shirt, or explore membership options. Through collective effort, the organization is paving the way for a more equitable future.
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