In a star-studded event live-streamed on November 1st at the iconic Apollo Theater in New York City, FUBU CEO and the renowned “Shark” from the popular TV show Shark Tank, Daymond John, curated the fourth annual “Black Entrepreneurs Day.” This event was a powerful celebration of Black entrepreneurship, designed to inspire, educate, and provide essential resources to Black business owners. With notable guests like Whoopi Goldberg, Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ice-T graced the iconic stage in a series of Game Changer Conversations, the night was nothing short of iconic.
Co-hosted by Angela Yee, this year’s Black Entrepreneurs Day held an extra special note. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the event featured electrifying performances by none other than hip-hop heavyweights Rick Ross and Flavor Flav. Their live sets paid homage to the genre that has not only reshaped the music industry but also played a significant role in shaping the cultural and entrepreneurial landscape of Black America.
Beyond the musical celebrations, the event shone a spotlight on the pivotal role played by Black-owned businesses in the U.S. economy. Recent years have witnessed a surge in efforts to support and invest in these businesses, addressing the unique challenges they often face when it comes to securing funding and support.
Mayor Eric Adams lent his support to the event, officially proclaiming “Black Entrepreneurs Day” in New York City. The choice of the historic Apollo Theater as the venue was symbolic, given its rich history and deep cultural significance within the Black community.
Black Entrepreneurs Day provided a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs, including the prestigious Shopify Pitch Competition, where the winner received a generous $25,000 in funding to scale their business. Event organizers also established the “NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant,” which distributed over $200,000 in grants to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In addition, Black Entrepreneurs Day featured renowned figures such as broadcast journalist Cari Champion and American tennis player Sloane Stephens, further enhancing the event’s star-studded lineup. The speakers throughout the day delved into essential topics like branding, mentorship, and funding, underscoring the significance of resilience and determination in the field of entrepreneurship. Black Entrepreneurs Day serves as a dynamic platform that not only champions Black-owned businesses but also fosters an empowered community that actively drives entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation.
Black Entrepreneurs Day 2023 was an electrifying celebration of Black entrepreneurship, steeped in the cultural influence of hip-hop. As we celebrate this day, we pay tribute to the resilience and innovation of Black business owners, reinforcing our commitment to a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for all. Watch here: https://blackentrepreneursday.com
Follow on Twitter: @TheSharkDaymond
