Small Business Saturday was celebrated recently in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. “Shop Small Shop Bronzeville” was hosted by the Quad Communities Development Corporation. Valerie Jarrett, the senior advisor to the White House, was in town to show her support and make a few purchases at the Sip and Savor coffeehouse in Bronzeville. Rolling out asked Jarrett why small businesses are important to our community and she said, “Small businesses are the economic engines of the community. Not only are they investing or creating jobs in the community, but more often than not the owners live in the community. They support community organizations: everything from the Little League team to the local high school, to the churches and other faith institutions in our community. They are the anchor of our community. Oftentimes, when we have these large big box stores, people leave their neighborhood and they go outside for shopping when there are jewels from within. This [Sip and Savor] is an excellent example of that.”
Jarrett along with other patrons enjoyed the atmosphere of Sip and Savor coffeehouse and did the most important thing on this day: spend money. The importance of small businesses must be amplified in order for the economy to benefit our communities. Small Black-owned businesses must be encouraged, especially because of what it means to our economic development and the idea of being self-sustaining. Did you support Small Business Saturday? Where did you go? Share your information in the comment section below.
Take a look at the gallery below.
