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2023 SESSION

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HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 341 Commending Black-owned businesses in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 17, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Black-owned businesses in Virginia form an integral part of local economies and communities and are an embodiment of the Commonwealth’s enterprising spirit; and

WHEREAS, the National Negro Business League, later the National Business League, was founded in 1900 by Booker T. Washington to support the efforts of Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses; and

WHEREAS, the United States saw a golden age of Black-owned businesses from approximately 1900 to 1930 as many Black entrepreneurs stepped up to serve the needs of their communities as they became increasingly segregated and insulated due to the Jim Crow laws of the time; and

WHEREAS, Black-owned businesses thrived in urban areas in the United States where the majority of Black people lived and helped contribute to the quality of life in these communities; and

WHEREAS, despite facing blatant racism and injustice, Black-owned businesses have achieved great success over the years through exceptional persistence and determination; and

WHEREAS, the history of Black entrepreneurism in the United States goes back centuries, from Thomas L. Jennings, who became the first Black patent holder in 1821, to Ursula Burns, who became the first Black female to lead a Standard and Poor’s 500 company when she was named chief executive officer of Xerox in 2009; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Black-owned businesses have drawn inspiration from the richness of African American culture, while many have been created to improve access to certain services and to fulfil certain needs; and

WHEREAS, through the tireless efforts and visionary leadership of many Black entrepreneurs, Black-owned businesses have helped to lift up countless individuals and families and to instill a sense of pride among the communities they serve; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Black-owned businesses in Virginia be commended for their accomplishments and legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Virginia Black Business Directory as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the history and contributions of Black-owned businesses in Virginia.