BUFFALO, N.Y. — To celebrate Black History Month, a few Black business owners gathered at Brothers Restaurant and Bar, announcing their Black-Owned Business Crawl.
According to Mayor Byron Brown, there are 12 Black-owned businesses in downtown Buffalo. Ten of the 12 businesses are participating. You can find the list of vendors here.
According to the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation's Brandye Merriweather, the business crawl will promote Black businesses in Buffalo for Black History Month.
"It's important for us to support it, not only because it's Black-owned, but because they sell such unique products," Merriweather said.
Forbes reports roughly 3 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. While Black entrepreneurs start businesses every year, Bankrate reports only 4 percent of them survive.
The business crawl extends to different mediums. Every business has a special promotion. You can shop locally from hair salons, and retail, and grab a fresh bite at a nearby restaurant.
The head chef at Brothers Restaurant and Bar said he didn't see many Black-owned businesses growing up.
"We didn't have a lot of Black businesses growing up. For me to have one now, you would love that support all year round," Ramone Anderson said.
In fact, it's the same as what Jack Reid IV says. He owns the Living Proof clothing store on Genesee Street with four others.
"All of us business owners downtown struggle. Unfortunately, since COVID you don't see the spark that downtown had," Reid said.
He said he feels businesses are struggling due to mindsets.
The crawl started Thursday, Feb. 22 and runs until March 2. Restaurant promotions run from noon to 3 p.m., then a happy hour special goes from 5 to 7 p.m.