ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque’s Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) and the Office of Black Community Engagement (OBCE) held a celebration on Civic Plaza in honor of National Black Business Month. This month is nationally recognized for acknowledging and supporting Black-owned businesses across the United States.

“It takes courage and resilience to start your own businesses, and these local entrepreneurs exemplify the ‘never give up’ attitude that our city is known for,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This is a great time for us all to recognize the Black business owners who contribute to a better future for all of our families.”

“Small businesses are vital for Albuquerque’s economic development; creating jobs, providing growth, and creating essential opportunities for families to attain financial stability and generational wealth,” said City of Albuquerque CAO Samantha Sengel. “We fully appreciate how important it is for the City to support these Black-owned businesses as they continue to thrive.”

The City offers programs such as the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA), Get Certified ABQ, Job Training Albuquerque (JTA), and the Small Business Office, which help equip and empower local Black businesses and their employees. The NM MBDA has assisted over 300 businesses by facilitating access to capital, securing contracts, and opening doors to new markets. The JTA program ensures workforce readiness by providing free training that promotes stronger career paths and better wages.

“Starting a business is difficult for anyone, but Black entrepreneurs have been historically disenfranchised,” said Sonya Lara, Director of OEI. “They often face obstacles that were historically created to make it difficult for their businesses to become successful; that is why it is important to create programs that specifically support Black-owned businesses.”

“There are over 16,649 Black residents in Albuquerque who make our city a better place,” said Neema Pickett, Black Community Engagement Liaison. “In return we must make the city a better place for them by supporting Black business development in our community.”

OBCE collaborated with Food Truck Friday, the City’s weekly event hosting different food trucks on Civic Plaza through the summer, bringing multiple Black-owned businesses and community organizations together for this event. Among the participating vendors was VIIISON Academy Dance & Theater Company, which led community members in free movement classes.

“We encourage the community not just to acknowledge and support Black-owned businesses in August and during Black History Month but throughout the whole year,” said Councilor Nichole Rogers. “Because when our small businesses flourish, the City flourishes.”

Participating organizations included Ayanna Denise Skin, Herban Oasis, Spirited Wellness NM, The Concierge Therapist, Brown Sugar Beauty, Umoja Wellness, Native Sun Gallery, Green VisionX Duke City Games Creative Duke Media Bear Designs VIIIZON Academy Dance & Theater Company ,Black Empower Fund ,Black Chamber of Commerce NM ,NM American Performing Arts Center ,NM Leadership Council Emerge Motivation Initiative NM Environment Department/Occupational Health Safety Bureau Presbyterian Health Care