The Story Behind Black Business Month
Chapter 1 · History & Purpose
Two founders. One national movement for Black economic visibility, ownership, and opportunity.
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Every August, communities across the country recognize Black Business Month—but the observance began with a deeper purpose.
In 2004, historian and journalist John William Templeton and engineer and entrepreneur Frederick E. Jordan Senior established Black Business Month to bring greater attention to the needs, challenges, and contributions of Black-owned businesses.
For Jordan, the mission was personal. While building his engineering company, he encountered barriers to securing the financing and support needed to grow. Templeton brought decades of research and storytelling focused on Black business, innovation, and economic history.
Together, they created more than a celebration. They created a call to action—a time to increase visibility, encourage ownership, strengthen economic opportunity, and focus attention on the policies and resources affecting Black entrepreneurs.
Today, that mission continues wherever communities intentionally discover, support, refer, promote, and invest in Black-owned businesses.
Here at the Black Business Expo NJ, that history is not simply something we remember. It is something we continue.
Every entrepreneur you meet, every business you support, and every connection you make helps move the legacy forward.
Black Business Month reminds us that recognition matters—but recognition must lead to action.
Two paths.One national call.
The founders
Frederick E. Jordan Sr.
Engineer · Entrepreneur · Business Advocate
Jordan’s experience building an engineering business and confronting barriers to financing helped give the observance its urgency and economic focus.
John William Templeton
Journalist · Historian · Author · Publisher
Templeton brought decades of research and storytelling about Black business, innovation, and economic history to the national observance.
The story continues.
A movement through time
More than a celebration.A call for visibility, ownership, and action.
Why it matters
VisibilityBeing seen creates pathways to customers and opportunity.
Discovery, storytelling, referrals, and repeat attention help businesses become part of a community’s everyday choices.
OwnershipOwnership builds agency and lasting economic capacity.
Supporting entrepreneurs helps ideas become durable businesses, jobs, assets, and community institutions.
OpportunityAccess to knowledge and relationships can change a business trajectory.
Resource partners help entrepreneurs identify programs, preparation, and practical next steps.
Community WealthIntentional support keeps value circulating and growing.
Purchases, referrals, partnerships, and continued customer relationships help build a stronger local economy.
Sources & Further Reading
Approved source links will be published here as the exhibit bibliography is finalized.