Bill Text: VA HR341 | 2023 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Black-owned businesses in Virginia.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 28-0)
Status: (Passed) 2023-02-17 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR341 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HR341-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Black-owned businesses in Virginia form an integral part of local economies and communities and are an embodiment of the Commonwealth's enterprising spirit; and
WHEREAS, the National Negro Business League, later the National Business League, was founded in 1900 by Booker T. Washington to support the efforts of Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses; and
WHEREAS, the United States saw a golden age of Black-owned businesses from approximately 1900 to 1930 as many Black entrepreneurs stepped up to serve the needs of their communities as they became increasingly segregated and insulated due to the Jim Crow laws of the time; and
WHEREAS, Black-owned businesses thrived in urban areas in the United States where the majority of Black people lived and helped contribute to the quality of life in these communities; and
WHEREAS, despite facing blatant racism and injustice, Black-owned businesses have achieved great success over the years through exceptional persistence and determination; and
WHEREAS, the history of Black entrepreneurism in the United States goes back centuries, from Thomas L. Jennings, who became the first Black patent holder in 1821, to Ursula Burns, who became the first Black female to lead a Standard and Poor's 500 company when she was named chief executive officer of Xerox in 2009; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Black-owned businesses have drawn inspiration from the richness of African American culture, while many have been created to improve access to certain services and to fulfil certain needs; and
WHEREAS, through the tireless efforts and visionary leadership of many Black entrepreneurs, Black-owned businesses have helped to lift up countless individuals and families and to instill a sense of pride among the communities they serve; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Black-owned businesses in Virginia for their accomplishments and legacy of service; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to representatives of the Virginia Black Business Directory as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the history and contributions of Black-owned businesses in Virginia.
