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How does entrepreneurship provide upward mobility for African Americans?
August will be the first time that Black Business Month is celebrated. The concept behind this celebration is to bring attention to thousands of Black enterprises that already exist and to motivate other African Americans on the path of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is one the many paths to the middle class and beyond.
Consumers are encouraged to patronize an African-American-owned business each day in August. In addition, 15 participating governors will single out Distinguished Black Businesses in their states for special honors.
At least they will if John William Templeton has anything to say about it. Templeton, founder of BlackMoney.com, a Web site that reports on business equity for African-Americans, told UPI that he started the month to reduce the "black business blind spot" by bringing the African-American community's attention to the importance of business.
So far Nevada is the only state to issue a proclamation declaring the month, although Templeton told UPI that he was working on getting proclamations from Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana.
Activity: One of the classic paths to the middle and upper class is entrepreneurship. There are other paths out of poverty as well for African Americans but Black enterprise is a path that until recently was not fully utilized.
Here are some essential questions to challenge students to create reasoned opinions. Essential questions ensure critical thinking and the use of multiple resources in student conclusions.
- What causes poverty especially in African American communities?
- How can entrepreneurship be fostered?
- What obstacles prevent African Americans from being more interested in starting their own businesses?
- How can the government and other business owners help?
- What is the reward to society for encouraging Black enterprise?
Pathfinder: Subject Heading search > type "African American business enterprises" >
click African American business enterprises.
Use at least three resources that address two of the essential questions listed above (or others created by an educator) in a report of 200-250 words.
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