BAPA staff reports
Every August, the 19th Ward comes together to celebrate Black Business Month, an annual tradition that highlights the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black-owned businesses throughout Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood.
The celebration is led by the Community Connections Committee, a partnership of committed small business owners along with BAPA, the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, the 95th Street Business Association, and the Mount Greenwood Community and Business Association. The programming creates intentional spaces for connection, collaboration and community building, with events built to inspire, support, and empower.
“Our Black-owned businesses are a vital part of what makes our community succeed,” said Herb Lentz, BAPA’s Executive Director. “These businesses make Beverly and Morgan Park stronger every day, and August is our chance to celebrate them and to become loyal customers all year long.”
The month has four goals: highlight Black-owned businesses and their special offerings, build community between local Black entrepreneurs, help businesses grow their customer base and maintain an online directory of Black-owned businesses in Beverly and Morgan Park.
This year’s lineup focuses on reconnection, shoring up business basics and celebrating community, welcoming longtime business owners and budding entrepreneurs alike. The month begins with a Kickoff Coffee at Afro Joe’s Coffee and Tea on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m. A Business Education Workshop follows on Friday, Aug. 21, at a location to be announced. The celebration wraps up with a Send-Off at the 95th Street Farmers Market on Sunday, Aug. 30. All events are free for members and open to business owners and entrepreneurs who live or operate in the 19th Ward. Advanced registration is required at mpbhba.org/events
Neighbors can show their support year-round by shopping the searchable Black-Owned Business Directory at villageinthecity.org. Black-owned businesses that are not yet listed are encouraged to submit a listing through the form on the website, and everyone is invited to help shape future programming by completing a short survey at villageinthecity.org/black-business-month.
Join your neighbors this August in celebrating the power of Black-owned business and keep building a stronger, more connected 19th Ward.
