FA Buy Black campaign was launched Friday to increase patronage of local businesses owned by African Americans.
The campaign, announced by the African American/Black Business Association of Madison, will focus on 20 black-owned restaurants and other food-related businesses. Patrons over the next six weeks will be eligible for a major prize, said Milele Chikasa Anana, public relations chairwoman and publisher of UMOJA Magazine.
"Our overall goal is to stimulate black entrepreneurship and create a sense of wealth and philanthropy in our community," she said.
Participating businesses include Kipps Down Home Cookin', RPlace on Park, Africana Restaurant and Lounge, Sloppy Lobster, Jamerica, Papa Bear's Restaurant, Buraka Restaurant, Nilda Chocolates, David's Jamaican (two locations), Doug's Soul Food, African & American Store, the African Market, Melly Mell's Catering, JD Express Catering, Spirited Desserts, Valise's Sweet Potato Pies & Cakes, Delta Taste Catering, Francois' Croissants and Bon Appetit.
The association also is distributing more than $2,500 in technical grants to black-owned businesses.
At an association meeting Friday night, the scheduled keynote speaker was Valerie Daniels-Carter, president and chief executive of V&J Holding Cos. of Milwaukee, which operates more than 100 Burger King and Pizza Hut franchises in four states.
Nedra Bobo is president of the 4-year-old African American/Black Business Association, which promotes the economic and social development of the African American community and works at assisting and empowering black business owners.
Copyright 2009 The Wisconsin State Journal
