B

Organization supports black business professionals and entrepreneurs

Black Entrepreneurs Meet is a local organization, cofounded by Morristown native Victoria Burnside, consists of Black professionals, business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs aiming to break stereotypes and generational mistakes.

“Myself and my cofounder George Cunningham Jr started this organization in hopes to unite the black community oppose to in past enabling the ‘crab in a barrel’ mentality,” Burnside said. “Both of us have traveled and returned home to find that a voice that use to ring loudly throughout our community had been muffled.”

Burnside highlighted the need of having such an organization to help connect consumers with black owned businesses.

“As an artist I was also hopeful to meet other black artists but didn’t know who, where to ask,” Burnside said. “So I thought what if there was a directory for all of the local black owned businesses.”

“On our website you can find a black pages directory with a list of local businesses sorted by service category. We add businesses and professionals to our network for no charge, that’s right it’s free, to provide a central location for patrons to locate and learn about local service providers”

“It is important to highlight black businesses during black history month but should be something we do all year every year! Our goal is to encourage fellow black business owners to support one another as well as all business owners and our whole community to support one another shop locally and give life to legacies for generations to come.”

Burnside said although the organization highlights black owned businesses, it is open to all people of a variety of background.

“I do want people to know that Black Entrepreneurs Meet is not titled this way to exclude any other race or culture but to highlight and serve the smaller community within our overall community and celebrate the victory that it is to be a black owned business.”

The organization not only promotes business, but also works to help members in community through their acts of service.

“We have participated in winter clothing drives, and participated in other local events that give back to the community,” Burnside said.

On February 25 the organization plans to serve hot meals to families in need in Morristown and Jefferson City.

The organization in partnership with Friends BBQ will be stationed at Upper Cuts Barbershop in Morristown at 429 E Main Street from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and at Nelson Merry School in Jefferson City at 2030 Russell Avenue from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Friends BBQ’s very own Chef Dickey prides himself on serving the community and giving wherever there is a need,” Burnside said. “The event on the 25th is to share a hot meal, fellowship, and support to all those who come.”

Black Entrepreneurs Meet has a long list of goals they wish to accomplish in the future to further their mission.

“Our goal is to become a registered 501c3 Nonprofit organization this year,” Burnside said. “We also hope to provide scholarships, financial support to new businesses and business ideas, host workshops for financial literacy, marketing recruiting and retention and so much more.”

For more information about Black Entrepreneurs Meet visit the organization’s website.

“We are open to ideas, suggestions, and new connections always,” Burnside said.