Assembly Resolution No. 403

BY: M. of A. Jackson

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 2025, as Black Business Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to declare
official months that are set aside to recognize the importance of the
rich and diverse heritage of our great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2025, as Black
Business Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Black Business Month; and

WHEREAS, August 1, 2025, marks the beginning of National Black
Business Month (NBBM), an annual observance which highlights the
importance of Black businesses to the Black community as well as the
national economy; and

WHEREAS, Among many outcomes, this auspicious celebration generates
awareness for the policy issues affecting Black entrepreneurship; and

WHEREAS, Black business owners own 3.5 million businesses and employ
more than 1.2 million people, which represents an annual increase of
over 7 percent in people employed by Black entrepreneurs, demonstrating
the great importance of Black businesses in our local, state, and
national economies; and

WHEREAS, National Black Business Month was founded by Frederick E.
Jordan, an engineering entrepreneur, and John William Templeton, of
eAccess Corp; it is their belief that supporting Black businesses is key
to lowering the rate of Black unemployment; and

WHEREAS, Black Business Month can be celebrated in many ways
depending on individual preferences and abilities, and all are
encouraged to intentionally shop at, engage with, and promote
Black-owned businesses and business leaders; and

WHEREAS, Black Business Month is recognized by companies and
organizations as well, with some corporations hosting programs such as
"Buy Black Market," where shoppers can buy from local Black-owned
businesses throughout the month; and

WHEREAS, Patronizing Black-owned establishments, including
restaurants, manufacturers, theaters, attorneys, doctors, auto dealers,
newspapers, book publishers, breweries, farmers, and churches, could
result in profound economic successes and countless more jobs; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support those annual commemorations which are observed to improve the
quality and dignity of life of those they represent, to preserving their
heritage, and to fostering pride among them; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 2025, as Black
Business Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.