August is Black Business Month! 

National Black Business month honors and celebrates the achievements and triumphs of Black entrepreneurs. With over 3 million Black owned businesses in the U.S., there's no better time than now to start or continue showing up for and supporting these establishments locally and beyond! I want to highlight a few picture books that recognize the important role of Black businesses in our country. It was fascinating to do a deep dive and learn a little about the history of Black entrepreneurship. I can't wait to share these titles with you! 

The Last Stand by Antwan Eady

A young boy helps his grandfather sell fresh produce from their family stand, learning about legacy, land, and love. With brilliant illustrations by brothers Jarrett & Jerome Pumphrey, the story follows a young boy and his Papa as they sell weekly, as the last farm stand in the Saturday farmer's market. Neighbors depend on "Earl's Pumpkins, Peppers, Plums, & Eggs" to bring them fresh, delicious food to their community every weekend. When Papa is too exhausted one Saturday, the boy decides to step up and fill in for his grandpa, making deliveries to all the regular customers on his bike. This sweet book celebrates Black farming traditions and the quiet strength of generational entrepreneurship. 

My Fade is Fresh by Shauntay Grant

At the barbershop, a confident little girl knows exactly how she wants her hair—bold, fresh, and uniquely her. But when she sits down in the salon chair, everyone else in the place has a second opinion of what cut the stylist should go with. The girl is determined to make sure that she gets the fresh fade she's been asking for, however, so she persistently speaks up!

So today 'round two o'clock, I walked right by the barbershop. A clean-cut classic curly crop. The freshest fade up on the block.

I loved how My Fade is Fresh honors self-expression, Black girl beauty, fabulous hair, and the cultural importance of Black-owned barbershops and salons!

Tiara's Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons

Tiara adores the stunning hats her mother designs, but when the hat shop closes, it leaves them both heartbroken. Momma decides to go back to her old job as an art teacher at Tiara's school. Resigned to abandoning her workshop full of hats, she is too sad to want to pick it back up. With creativity and community support, Tiara finds a way to bring back the magic. This story beautifully uplifts the tradition of Black millinery artistry, fashion, and a creative, entrepreneurial spirit! 

Support Black Businesses in Nashville!

There are SO many amazing Black owned businesses right here in our community, and it's so important to show up and support our friends and neighbors out here doing the hard work! I'm listing a few resources to help you discover some local gems:

• Black Owned Nashville
• The Nashville Black Market
• Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce

What are your favorite Black owned businesses to visit?