Bill > SJR54

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates August of each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey. Black Business Month was founded in 2004 by Frederick E. Jordan Sr. and John William Templeton to recognize the impact of Black-owned businesses throughout the United States and to encourage their continued development. As of the latest census data release, there are almost three million Black-owned businesses in the United States, generating $150 billion in annual revenue and supporting almost four million jobs. Of these overall numbers, over 76,000 of these Black-owned businesses operate in New Jersey, with six of the highest grossing Black businesses operating in this State according to Black Enterprise Magazine. These companies provide jobs and careers to residents throughout the State, and they also create an opportunity to help reduce the racial wealth gap between White and Black adults, with a study by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity finding that Black business owners reduce the racial wealth gap when compared to their White counterparts. With the coronavirus 2019 pandemic severely affecting Black businesses in the State, the promotion and support of Black-owned businesses can help those establishments in need and can encourage the flourishing of local communities and culture throughout the State. As such, this joint resolution intends to designate August of each year as "Black Business Month" in New Jersey in order to encourage residents throughout the State to frequent Black-owned businesses in their communities during the month of August and throughout the year, and to reflect on the contributions of Black entrepreneurs in our State.

Committee Categories

Angela Mcknight (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document