FEATURE
The Lansing Black Chamber poses with Lansing Police officers at a mixer to open dialogue about Black business and police presence in the community
THE CORNERSTONES OF COMMUNITY AND CULTURE BY AMANDA FISCHER
The month of February is devoted to celebrating the 400-year history of the achievements of African Americans in the United States. Some of the greatest, yet underappreciated, triumphs are those of the African American trailblazers and entrepreneurs who put their all into starting businesses. According to the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor Bureau website, the oldest black-owned business, Riley Funeral Home, dates back to 1957 and was started 26
by World War II veteran James Riley. Since then, the Lansing region has had several successful black-owned businesses that contribute greatly to the community.
different look or feel than some of the bigger commercial companies, Barker said they tend to have a larger impact on their immediate neighborhood.
Alane Laws-Barker, president of the Lansing Black Chamber, said there are several black businesses in the area, and while some are larger, a lot of black businesses are entrepreneurs or mom-andpop shops with 10 or less employees.
“Black businesses help support the community,” said Barker. “Black businesses help create wealth in ways that we don’t have any other way to generate wealth. They’re special because they give opportunities to people and communities who wouldn’t have opportunities.”
Although these businesses may have a
G R E AT E R L A N S I N G B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY
FEBRUARY 2020
