Minding My Own Black Business (Month)

“And I’m out here grinding still/I need equity to sign the deal.” – Lil Baby

What’s up, y’all!

It’s no secret that Black-owned businesses can be powerful vehicles for advancing economic empowerment and closing the racial wealth gap in the Black community. And, as recent Forbes stories illustrate, Black businesses can also be vessels of culture and diversity—from creating spaces that resonate with Black consumers to betting on Black voices and talent. In honor of National Black Business Month, it’s worth highlighting some of these stories.

I reported earlier this month on how Black millennials are redefining weekend brunch and Black restaurateurs are meeting that demand. One big takeaway is that while these business owners serve all ethnicities, they are unapologetic in creating experiences that cater to Black diners. Houston is one of the hotbeds for Black brunch, so check out this video featuring two entrepreneurs there who were early movers on the trend.

Also on the For(bes) The Culture radar is a story by staff writer Maggie McGrath about Incredible Health, which recently raised $80 million at a $1.65 billion valuation and is led by a Black woman founder. And reporter Arianna Johnson recently spoke with Ayesha Curry about stepping into the world of book publishing through her Sweet July enterprise, in part to give a platform to women authors of color.

But it’s not all gravy. Black-owned businesses only account for 2.3% of all U.S. businesses (with at least two employees), while America’s Black population sits at 13.6%. In that light, it’s worth checking out this cover story by staff writer Will Yakowicz on the super tough business of legal cannabis. Weed legalization has been long touted as an effort that could create viable entrepreneurial paths, especially for many of the Black Americans who’ve been disproportionately prosecuted for selling it. So far, such viability seems doubtful as some of the most well-resourced pot businesses are having a rough go.

The last thing I’ll share is about Gracie’s Corner, the super-catchy YouTube series of kid songs (Heyyyyy, Bingo!) that’s been racking up millions of views. Raquel “Rocky” Harris is speaking with the family behind it today at 3 p.m. ET on Instagram Live. (The full interview is here.)

Stay up!

Black Millennials Transform Brunch From Staid Buffets To Fashionable Insta-Worthy Day Parties. Dressing up on “Sunday Funday” and restaurant-hopping for chicken and waffles, endless mimosas and DJs playing hip-hop are a few hallmarks of the growing trend of “Black brunch.”

Dr. Iman Abuzeid Leads Incredible Health To Unicorn Status With $80 Million Series B. Iman Abuzeid launched nurse-hiring startup Incredible Health in 2017 as a way to help healthcare workers find permanent positions. Five years later, she has guided her company to a $1.65 billion valuation, becoming one of the few Black female founders at the helm of a unicorn company.