Latest news with #BlackBusinessMonth
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
UNITY BLOCK PARTY RETURNS FOR 2025 WITH GRAMMY-NOMINATED HEADLINER DURAND BERNARR AND A MISSION TO UPLIFT BLACK CULTURE, BUSINESS, AND CREATIVITY IN UTAH
A Three-Day Celebration Amplifies Black Arts, Economic Empowerment, and Community Impact During Black Business Month SALT LAKE CITY, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Unity Block Party, Utah's largest Black-led cultural event, returns for its third year as a three-day cultural and economic powerhouse from August 29–31, 2025. Headlined by Grammy-nominated performance vocalist Durand Bernarr, this year's celebration promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever—showcasing Black excellence at the intersection of music, business, and community during Black Business Month. The Unity Block Party kicks off on Friday, August 29 with an outdoor film screening and panel discussion presented in partnership with Sundance Institute, followed by an all-day cultural celebration on Saturday, August 30, and concludes with a powerful Black Creatives Excellence Brunch on Sunday, August 31, spotlighting thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders shaping Utah's future. This year's featured talent includes:Miles Minnick, Honey Bxby, The King Will Come, Quail, Cure For Paranoia, Evolution Of The Revolution, Afia Chin, Detzany, Nubia Soul Goddess, Bunny, and Corey Stefonwith hosts including Shaadie, Nayo Campbell (Utah Jazz), Deja Brown (KSL Utah, and CJ Miles (Former Utah Jazz Player). Festival sponsors and partners include Block, Sundance Institute, Rocky Mountain Power, Uncle Nearest, Redmond Re-Lyte, Shadow Mtn Productions, SLC ACE Grant, ZAP Grant, and community allies such as Utah Film Commission, The Blocks Art District, and Avanza Utah. "I'm honored to headline the Unity Block Party because it's about more than music—it's about movement," said Durand Bernarr. "We're showing up fully, loudly, and joyfully in a space that's never seen anything like this before. This isn't just a show—it's a statement that needs to be experienced." From the mainstage energy of Saturday's Block Party to the intentional networking of Sunday's brunch, Unity Block Party 2025 provides: A launchpad for Black-led startups and creatives, strengthening Utah's $512.1 million arts economy. A catalyst for economic mobility, connecting underrepresented entrepreneurs with new audiences and corporate partners. A safe, joyful space for culture, community, and celebration in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. "What started as a memorial installation in 2020 has evolved into a national movement," said Michelda G. Castro, founder of Versatile Image and event organizer of the Unity Block Party. "This weekend is a love letter to our community—and a blueprint for how art, culture, and economic justice can come together to build a better future." Events include: Day 1 — Outdoor Film ScreeningIn partnership with the Sundance Institute, the Unity Block Party kicks off with an outdoor screening of a major award-winning film that premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Square | 7PM–11PM | FREE Day 2 — Benefit Concert headlined by Durand BernarrA full-day celebration with live music, food vendors, Black-owned businesses, DJs, and immersive artLibrary Square | 11AM–11PM (Concert 5PM) | $30–$150 Day 3 — Black Creatives Excellence BrunchIn partnership with OurSundays, this intimate, invite-only brunch centers economic advancement, business innovation, and networkingNeutral Ground Lounge | 11AM–3PM | $55–$95 Discover the "U" in Community. Join the Movement. Press credentials, media kits, and sponsorship opportunities available here. ABOUT UNITY BLOCK PARTYFounded in 2020, the Unity Block Party is a nationally recognized, Black-led festival designed to celebrate cultural excellence, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation. Anchored in Salt Lake City and powered by community partnerships, the event brings together thousands of attendees each year to champion equity, creativity, and collective progress. Contact:Kenny Williams PR Lead, Unity Block Partykennywilliamsjrbookings@ 313-525-6783 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Versatile Image Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Celebrating Black businesses in Ottawa
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe declared May Black Business Month in Ottawa! To celebrate we are joined by two great local black-owned businesses!
Miami Herald
17-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Miami Rapper Flo Rida is giving back to his hometown through investment
In an industry where feuds and flashy displays of wealth often make headlines, rapper and entrepreneur Flo Rida is setting a different example. Born Tramar Dillard in Miami Gardens, Flo Rida has chosen to invest in his community in a way that fosters real economic empowerment. That's something worth celebrating. His recent $10 million purchase of the Cloverleaf Plaza in his old Miami-Dade neighborhood is more than just a business move — it's a statement about reinvesting in Black entrepreneurship and creating sustainable and generational wealth where it's needed most. Flo Rida's purchase of the Cloverleaf Plaza, now the city's first entirely Black-owned shopping center, was completed two years ago but officially unveiled at a Miami Gardens city hall ceremony and news conference in February, which happened to be Black History Month. Many may not realize that Miami-Dade ranks fifth in the nation for Black-owned employer businesses, with Miami-Dade's Black consumer market valued at $5.5 billion — making it the 14th largest in the country, according to county figures. The county already celebrates Black Business Month every August. In Miami-Dade, Black-owned businesses account for 51,285 of the county's 468,185 private businesses, representing 11% of all businesses. They generate more than $2.3 billion in annual sales and employ over 12,000 individuals., the county says. Obviously, Flo Rida and his partner in the purchase, childhood friend Lee Prince, recognize the importance of small businesses. And so does Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava who recently hired Manny Cid, the former mayor of Miami Lakes, as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity in the county's Office of Innovation and Economic Development, with a focus on strengthening small businesses. We think that's a solid investment. In Flo Rida's case, creating a hub for Black entrepreneurs — including hair salons, restaurant, florist, smoke shop, along with other small businesses — at the 28,000-square-foot strip mall may help create an incubator of opportunities for others in a minority neighborhood. Beyond the financial benefits, his investment strengthens community security and may help preserve cultural identity. These Black-owned businesses serve the Black community, ensuring that money remains local. Flo Rida's vision for the plaza, as reported by Miami Herald reporter Raisa Habersham, includes fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This is critical in a county where gentrification is rapidly displacing residents of historically Black neighborhoods like Overtown, Liberty City and Brownsville. The revitalized plaza is expected to serve as a catalyst for more community-driven investments. 'We are definitely proud of the fact that we had some of our local people decide to invest back into Miami Gardens,' said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris at the city hall ceremony. Rather than allowing outside investors to take control, Flo Rida is ensuring economic benefits remain within the neighborhood. That deserves a tip of the hat. When celebrities and billionaires commit resources to their hometowns, they inspire a culture of reinvestment that can create lasting transformation and economic stability. Flo Rida's investment could have broader impact. Black-owned businesses in Miami-Dade employ thousands and support a combined payroll exceeding $320 million. As these businesses grow, they create jobs, circulate wealth within the community and inspire future entrepreneurs. And we must note that Flo Rida's dedication to his hometown and home state go beyond typical celebrity philanthropy. He isn't just donating money — he is actively shaping the future of Miami Gardens with a real estate investment. Flo Rida's championing of the Cloverleaf Plaza is a strategic move toward economic empowerment within the Black community where he grew up. Flo Rida's investment is a form of giving back. And that's something we could use more of in Miami-Dade County. Click here to send the letter.
