Black Economic Council of Massachusetts: Prioritizing Racial Equity for Black Economic Liberation

Last May, the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, as well as the righteous indignation that followed, prompted legislators, corporate leaders, and other statewide officials to make numerous statements supporting racial equity and the Black Lives Matter movement and ideology.

While making it publicly clear that an individual stands with the principles of the movement is important, words alone will not bring about the change needed to ensure that our communities are vibrant and made whole.

One year later, we’re still protesting and saying the names of Black people who have been killed by the police, and our communities are still experiencing some of the worst economic inequities.

However, as the struggles continue, so does our hope for creating a new normal and better future for Black people throughout the commonwealth and the country.

That’s why BECMA released its Massachusetts Black Economic Policy Agenda earlier this month to guide the 2021-2022 state legislative session. The purpose of the document is to uplift policies that address longstanding issues head-on and create a new normal where the economic well-being of Black people in Massachusetts is no longer a concept, but our everyday reality.

As our communities continue to face the impacts of a once-in-a-century pandemic, an economic downturn, political unrest, and structural racism, our state must continue to prioritize racial equity in all of our discussions regarding the recovery and growth of our neighborhoods.

The pandemic has reminded all of us that the development of some communities cannot coexist with the underdevelopment of others. That’s why it is critical that policymakers embrace our policy principles and work to uplift Black communities, entrepreneurs, workers, advocates, and leaders to meet the moment we’re in. We invite you to join us to be a part of this work.

Onwards,

Segun Idowu
President & CEO

Read our Massachusetts Black Economic Policy Agenda

Mass Black Expo Manager
The MBE Manager will work specifically on the 2021 Mass. Black Expo, an annual event that brings together Black business owners, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and people from across Massachusetts. This position serves as the primary project and event manager, organizing and coordinating all items pertinent to the event, including identifying the virtual platform and advising the organization on conducting limited in-person events. Learn more and apply for this position here. 

Check out more MA employment opportunities from our members and partners here.

Boston.com: Black business leaders in Massachusetts envision a ‘new normal.’ It starts with a public bank

BECMA’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Samuel Gebru, talks public banks and furthering our policy agenda with Boston.com.
To read the full article, click here.

Boston Business Journal: Black Economic Council, Dorchester health care center heads lauded by Urban League
The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts honors BECMA at their annual breakfast, awarding BECMA President and CEO, Segun Idowu, with the Urban League’s business leadership award. To read the full article, click here.

Boston Globe: Companies take on the challenge of increasing diversity, aiding Black-owned businesses

As we return to a ‘new normal,’ BECMA President and CEO, Segun Idowu, gives his opinion on how companies are trying to continue to push the agenda of diversity and inclusion in corporate spaces, while supporting Black businesses.  To read the full article, click here.

Nominate a Minority-Owned Businesses in MA to be featured in the Boston Business Journal

The Boston Business Journal is compiling data for its list of the largest minority-owned businesses in Massachusetts. The list will include Massachusetts-based minority-owned companies (defined as a business owned and operated by a person(s) of color), where the minority owner(s) owns at least 51 percent of the company. There is no cost to participate.

Know of another minority-owned business in Massachusetts we should contact? Please email Associate Editor/Research Sean McFadden at smcfadden@bizjournals.com.

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