FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
An Open Call to Support Black Businesses
The African American Leadership Forum Partners with Organizations to Develop a COVID-19 Black Business Impact Survey
MINNEAPOLIS, March 25, 2020 — The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) recently partnered with the Minnesota Black Chambers of Commerce, Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, Northside Economic Opportunity Network, Social Impact Strategies Group, Metropolitan Economic Development Association, Just Law, LLC., and the West Broadway Area Coalition to create a survey to get important data about the current and future impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Black businesses in Minnesota. The partnership also resulted in an open letter that was sent to the governor’s office.
The African American business community and others are deeply concerned about the economic implications of the COVID-19 public health crisis on the Black community and anticipates that the impact on Black businesses throughout the region; especially the Twin Cities, will be substantial.
During a recent virtual convening, leaders from the organizations mentioned above provided insights about what Black businesses are currently experiencing, including cancelled contracts; especially for catering companies and others in the service industry, and a lack of revenue to cover fixed expenses. In addition, many Black businesses need HR support and guidance for managing employees, short-term and long-term funding support, and infrastructure and capacity support to utilize virtual technology tools to engage their customer base and employees remotely.
AALF and the organizations who helped develop the COVID-19 Black Business Impact Survey are also urging organizations that serve the Black community and businesses to share the survey link through their communications platforms and within their professional networks. Survey Link:https://bit.ly/33HW2m9
Executive Director Marcus Owens is encouraging Black leaders, changemakers, and activists to join AALF’s network of contributors (1,500+ Black leaders on the frontlines of social change in the Black community) to help the African American community during this crisis.
To join the network please complete AALF’s contributor form: http://bit.ly/2qsjR1T
The African American Leadership Forum mobilizes and activates dynamic groups of committed and passionate African Americans to influence the social, economic and political landscape that impacts our daily lives. To learn more visit www.aalftc.com.
Media inquiries and general info: info@aalftc.org