Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, equality, and opportunity, with black-owned businesses playing a significant role in acknowledging these values. In Wichita Falls, black business owners see being an entrepreneur as a way to honor those who came before them and paved the way for their success. Despite facing historical challenges, black-owned businesses now make up 3.5 million establishments in America.
For entrepreneurs in the black community, being a business owner is more than just making money; it’s about finding fulfillment in their work and making a positive impact on their community. Owners like Jerrica Castle of Rica Dolls emphasize the importance of following one’s calling and finding joy in what they do every day. They attribute their ability to pursue their dreams to the sacrifices and resilience of their predecessors.
Juneteenth commemorates the day when freedom came to 250,000 slaves in Texas, signifying the end of slavery in the United States. For black business owners like Nova Cree Calloway of 1925 Nova, this day marks the independence of everyone in the country, emphasizing the interconnectedness of freedom for all. While the era of Jim Crow brought new challenges of segregation, it also created opportunities for black entrepreneurship, known as the golden age of black-owned businesses.
In today’s society, black-owned businesses continue to thrive, with a focus on celebrating black culture and empowering their clients. Entrepreneurs like Castle and Calloway are dedicated to providing products and services that cater to the unique needs of the black community, allowing their clients to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered in their own skin. Through their businesses, they hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of their skin color and instill confidence in their ability to succeed in any business venture they choose to pursue.
Black-owned businesses play an essential role in acknowledging Juneteenth’s values by celebrating freedom
