Why Black Business Owners Must Engage in Politics

Part 1 Legacy-black.com :Closing the Wealth Gap and Changing the Trajectory of Our Community The statistic alone is enough to stop you in your tracks: £23,700 vs £197,000. That’s the stark difference in median Black household wealth in the UK, compared to the national median. A gap that has generational consequences. A gap that determines access, opportunity, wellbeing, choice — and ultimately, freedom. I was present when Dr. Raphael Sofoluke announced Legacy Black, and the atmosphere in that room was unlike anything I’ve experienced in a long time. It was bold. It was intentional. It was overdue. It was the start of something that could truly reshape the trajectory of Black economic empowerment in the UK. This wasn’t just an announcement. It was a statement of collective ambition. ⸻ A Different Landscape, A Different Reality In the UK, we are a community of around 2.4 million Black people. In the United States, that number is about 48.3 million. That difference matters. It means: • Our market is smaller. • Our representation is thinner. • Our access to capital and influence is more concentrated. • And yes — we often have to work 10 times harder for the same level of visibility, resourcing, or opportunity. And yet — despite the scale difference — we have produced brilliance. Examples of what success can look like: Steven Bartlett Dr. Raphael Sofoluke Entrepreneurs. Investors. Culture-shapers. Change-makers. But we need more. More examples. More models. More pathways. More possibilities. ⸻ Collaboration is the Key — But Not Just Any Collaboration What we now need is more of those examples: more Black entrepreneurs, more access to capital, and more collaboration across our ecosystem. But it’s deeper than that. We need more of us in the rooms where decisions are being made — individuals in positions of influence who genuinely recognise our value. People who see the strategic advantage of the lived experiences, cultural intelligence, perspective and creativity we carry. Our unique qualities are not liabilities to be managed They are assets to be leveraged. This is what happens when we: • Work together • Lift one another up • Collaborate across industries • Intentionally amplify, sponsor and elevate each other This is how we create conscious change that benefits all of us — not just a select few who “make it out”. I’m here to help!! Check out part 2

Warning long Post: Over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching many Chambers across our province host their annual awards and galas — and I have to be honest, it’s disappointing to see how little diversity there still is in 2025. When I say diversity, I mean Black businesses. There are incredible Black-owned businesses in every single sector of Nova Scotia, yet they are often missing from these spaces — from the event stages to the photos, to the marketing materials and websites. And let me be clear — I don’t mean seeing one or two Black businesses or even a handful of marginalized business owners in a room of 100 to 350 people. That’s not representation. That’s tokenism. It makes me question whether some Chambers truly don’t realize how this looks from the outside, or if they’re fully aware and simply don’t care. Either way, the message it sends is loud. I speak at so many events across this province, not just as a successful Black woman entrepreneur, but as someone trying to open doors for others who look like me — showing them that yes, these rooms are also meant for them. But I can’t do this alone. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce deserves recognition for how intentional they’ve become around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). It took time, effort, and accountability to get where they are — and even they’ll tell you there’s still more work to do. A lot of other Chambers across Nova Scotia should really be mimicking or paying close attention to what the Halifax Chamber has done. Their actions show that with the right commitment, progress is possible. Representation matters — and so does accountability.Lets do better!!!

I'm delighted to share that SBA Consulting has been commissioned by the Black Equity Organisation (BEO) to design their Evaluation Framework. This work will involve co-designing a framework that strengthens how BEO captures, measures and communicates their impact across their six strategic pillars - from economic empowerment and justice to education, health, culture and representation. The framework will support BEO to evidence their contribution to systemic change, embed a culture of learning, and ensure that insights from programmes and partnerships inform ongoing strategy and advocacy. Black Equity Organisation is currently marking the anniversary of the 1965 Race Relations Act with a powerful campaign and short film premiere, reflecting on nearly 60 years of progress, and the inequalities that persist today. The film explores how, while legislation has evolved, the lived reality for many Black Britons remains shaped by bias and systemic injustice. Head to www.blackequityorg.com or their latest Linkedin post to watch the trailer!

LCCI’s Black Business Association (BBA) is dedicated to supporting the effective business activity of Black entrepreneurs and Black employees in the capital. The group champions success within London’s Black business community and provides a platform for Black-owned businesses to network, do business and address barriers to equality. The Black Business Association Committee, chaired by Dr Bola Abisogun OBE (Hon DUniv, Hon MBA), Founder & Chairman, DiverseCity Surveyors, with Vice-Chair Kike Agoro, Founder and CEO, BYP Network, is dedicated to lobbying and supporting the effective business activity of Black entrepreneurs and owners, demonstrating the investable credibility of Black British business, and significantly influencing the government's agenda on racial injustice, discrimination, and economic empowerment. Meet the full BBA Committee and stay up-to-date with the latest events and news here: https://ow.ly/yK3g50XcfCw Programme Partner: University of Westminster #blackbusinessassociation #bba #blackbusiness #londonblackbusiness #diversity #londonbusinesses

This week, EO Cape Town hosted a powerful session at Workshop17, KloofStreet, where Dr. Vumile Msweli, founder of Hesed Consulting, helped us unpack the often-misunderstood concept of Black Tax — and what it really means in the South African workplace. Vumi didn’t just describe it; she contextualised it: 🟤 Black tax isn’t an optional obligation. It’s a deeply cultural expectation, tied to family, community, and belonging. 🟤 For many black professionals, the journey begins with the first paycheck — where 10–30% of income, sometimes nearly the full first salary, is shared with family. 🟤 It’s also anchored in family shame and community pride, not just economics — a social contract that transcends money. 🟤 In South Africa, black tax remains internal (supporting local family networks), while in countries like Nigeria, it’s often a “diaspora tax” — a responsibility placed on those working abroad. 🟤 The reality: roughly 70% of black employees are impacted — shaping career decisions, financial freedom, and mental wellbeing. Vumi’s session challenged all of us, particularly white business owners and leaders, to approach this conversation with empathy and cultural intelligence — not as an HR topic, but as a leadership responsibility. Thank you, Dr. Vumile Msweli, for a grounded and eye-opening dialogue. And thank you to our EO Cape Town community for leaning into uncomfortable but vital conversations that help us lead with humanity.

The speaker shares a video inspired by Black Wall Street, reflecting on its legacy and the spirit of ownership it represents. The video aims to evoke the classy, positive imagery of black families and communities from the 1920s. The speaker emphasizes that this vision isn't just a fantasy, but a glimpse into a time when black business owners thrived. Rebuilding strong, supportive communities, like those seen at the All Black National Convention, is key to fostering wealth and collective success. #BlackWallStreet #CommunityWealth #EconomicEmpowerment #BlackExcellence #FinancialLiteracy

🟠 Structural vs personal anti-racism work: One without the other won't create change. Every October, organisations talk about anti-racism. Many host brilliant Black History Month events, spotlight stories and celebrate culture. That’s personal action and it matters. It builds awareness, empathy and connection. But it’s only half the picture. ☀️ Real change also needs structural action; policies, systems and accountability – who gets promoted, how decisions are made, how data is used, and what behaviours are rewarded. You can’t train your way out of racism if your systems still sustain inequality. And you can’t build inclusive systems if people don’t understand what exclusion looks and feels like. Anti-racism isn’t an either/or – it’s both/and. Personal + structural. Policy + empathy. System + story. So as BHM ends and the social posts fade, ask: 🔸 What will we change in our structures to match our statements? 🔸 How are we holding ourselves accountable beyond awareness-raising? At IMPACT, we help organisations bridge that gap – turning values into behaviours and strategies into action.

Supporting Black artists and businesses is more than just a transaction—it's an investment in the community's future. Recently, The Black Business School proudly sponsored Dee-1's tour, witnessing firsthand the power of Black economics in action. Sold-out venues demonstrated what's possible when resources are pooled together with a common objective. It's about tenacity, courage, and a belief in ourselves. And a quick look at stocks like Affirm, reveals opportunities for financial empowerment. The community has what it takes to win. #BlackEconomics #SupportBlackBusiness #CommunityInvestment #FinancialEmpowerment

For a long time, "the black economy" has meant cash in hand, no tax paid. But increasingly I'm unsure if tax is the main thing putting people off doing things by the book. - Employment - People want to be paid to work, and organisations want workers. Yet just calculating someone's net pay is hard, before considering HR rules, pension obligations etc. - Building work - People want to improve their properties, and tradespeople want work. My experience of planning permission isn't too bad, but building regs seem to be getting ever more onerous, with different aims contradicting each other. All before a single brick is laid. - Landlords - People want a roof over their head, and others have property with space. Rachael Reeve's recent licencing issue caused lots of political debate...but I didn't see anyone arguing it's stupid to need an additional licence (over and above all the other landlord obligations) simply to rent a property to someone. I envisage us having a growing black market of things being done without proper boxes ticked. Authorities won't be able to keep track/keep up. Certainly enforcing things via courts isn't realistically going to happen. Yet rather than simplify to encourage compliance, we'll get yet more laws added on, exacerbating the problem, and encouraging more and more people to operate outside the system. In "my sector", Anti Money Laundering is the worst example of this. Well meaning, of course, but stupid laws that achieve nothing positive. Doing a good job of narrowing down which rules/regulations actually provide real benefit outweighing the cost/effort, and which are just a pointless PITA for all concerned, then removing the latter, would IMHO do far more to boost the economy than tinkering with taxes. Get more people doing something useful, rather than having metaphorical clipboards. That's what will boost productivity. I guess this is an area I'm right wing. Thoughts?

When I sat down to write my book, I did it with Wanda in mind. My wife and partner. Her income made my entire career possible and her ideas continue to inspire me. Here are a few of Wanda’s ideas for how Black women can help purge racism from our country: 1️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲. The corporate “game” is a white man’s game, with the deck stacked against everyone else. You don’t have to play by their rules when the homefield advantage isn’t yours. 2️⃣𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲. There are grants and loans for Black-owned businesses. Compete by creating. Build your own firm, your own clients. You have the skills and often less chauvinism to succeed on your own terms. 3️⃣ 𝗚𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. Yes, it’s scary to leave a paycheck and benefits behind. But when you step out, you’ll never again have to endure a racist boss. Freedom and ownership are worth the leap. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽. Black women are brilliant leaders. Show it in your work, your education, your speaking, your boards, your businesses — even in running for office. Leadership is something our communities and our country need more of. Eliminating racism may sound impossible, but Wanda’s belief is that success itself chips away at the institution. The more successful Black women there are, the harder it becomes for society to deny or dismiss their power. As Maya Angelou wrote: “You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I’ll rise.” Wanda reminds me every day: Black women have always risen. And they always will. ✊🏾 #Racism #BlackWomen