With the continued boycott by Minnesota House DFL leaders, it’s up in the air whether state DFL legislators will be at the Capitol for Black Entrepreneurs Day on Feb. 3, so members of Minnesota’s Democratic Congressional delegation are stepping up and traveling from Washington, DC to connect with Black business owners at the event.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum is among the Minnesota officials confirmed to attend and talk to business owners since local DFL House members may still be at a stalemate.
“Black Entrepreneurs Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the innovative business owners who are creating jobs in our communities and growing Minnesota’s economy,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
“More importantly, it’s place where Black business owners can network with one another and speak directly to their elected officials about what they need from us to help them grow their businesses and reach their potential. That’s why I’m so excited to attend this year — I look forward to listening to Black business owners and finding avenues to support their work,” McCollum added.
Congresswoman McCollum has held the 4th Congressional District seat since 2000, which includes St. Paul and suburbs in Ramsey and Washington counties.
“I am so glad that members of the congressional delegation are coming from Washington to represent the DFL – the fact that they are coming to speak at Black Entrepreneurs Day lets you know how important it is and how they value Black business owners, especially with the recent rollback of DEI initiatives that Dr. King and our entire community fought so hard for,” said Sheletta Brundidge, community activist and founder of Black Entrepreneurs Day in Minnesota.
Brundidge expects hundreds of attendees at the event, and expressed the importance of Black business owners getting to hear what legislators plan to do to ensure their businesses can continue to thrive.
“After George Floyd, a lot of companies across the country made it easier for Black businesses to work with them, helping get their products on shelves thanks to DEI efforts that have been on the books for years, and now a lot of those programs are no longer in existence,” Brundidge added.
Brundidge reiterated her appreciation that Congresswoman McCollum and others are joining the event in person and letting Black business owners know that they really do care.
“I was afraid that we wouldn’t have any DFL house members, but now to have some D.C. delegation house members present mean a lot – it’s an honor they are making the time, and we need to be engaging our legislators to hear what’s next,” said Brundidge.
Black Entrepreneurs Day empowers Black-owned businesses with resources, connections and advocacy, including opportunities for grants and direct access to
key Minnesota decision-makers across political parties. The event brings community leaders and policymakers together to celebrate and advocate for the success of Black entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
Business owners learn more about pre-registering for Black Entrepreneurs Day at ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.