On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will, for the first time ever, approve a proclamation commemorating August as National Black Business Month.
This proclamation, crafted by Commissioner Shannon Singleton, signals the County’s commitment to ensuring that economic development and entrepreneurship are part of restorative justice. The majority of certified Black-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and businesses certified by the Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) in the state are in Multnomah County, many of which are in District 2.
In-person interviews will be available with District 2 Commissioner Singleton, Pitch Black Organizer Stephen Green, and Anyeley Hallová, a Black-owned business owner.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, proclamations begin at 12 p.m.
Where: Multnomah County Boardroom (501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd., Portland)
Virtual Link: MultCoBoard - YouTube
Agenda: https://multco.us/info/proclamations
Background:
August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The annual celebration was created in 2004, when historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan partnered to advance policies affecting 2.6 million African American businesses and develop greater economic freedom for Black communities. This month, we reflect on the history of Black entrepreneurship, its impact on the United States economy and the resilience of the Black community.
For the whole month of August, Commissioner Singleton will post about a different Black-owned business on her social media. She will also visit a different Black-owned business once a week. Each gathering will center on a different industry and their concerns, barriers and victories, along with their ideas on how Multnomah County can better support Black businesses.
- Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025: Black Education and Early Learning Businesses
- Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025: Black Professional Services
- Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025: For the Culture: Black Creatives, Artists and Entertainers
- Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025: Pitch Black
- Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025: Take Care: Black Health and Healthcare
For more information on these gatherings, please contact district2@multco.us.
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