Seven years ago, Monique T. Marshall, founder of Black to Business, set out to create a safe and cherished space for Black men to pursue their dreams.
Her efforts resulted in an annual event titled “Black Men Who Lead,” where men can come together, learn, share, and connect to help further the success of Black male businesses.
“Oftentimes the business startup process is very intimidating, it can be overwhelming, and so for that reason, most people don’t start,” Marshall said. “In addition to that, it is typically said that eight out of 10 Black businesses fail within the first 18 months. So for us, it’s about how we make sure that there is more success and we do that through education”
This year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 4 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, will feature a main panel in which five speakers will discuss their experiences with “Work, Life, and Balance” while highlighting strategies to achieve that necessary balance. Attendees can also take part in a networking mixer that will allow for the exchange of ideas, and the ability to connect with others, building valuable relationships.
As an organization based out of Brooklyn, the team felt it was important to stay true to their home base while also having the event be held at a location with a significant historical sense.
While the event is geared towards men, all are invited to learn about Black male leadership and celebrate those who have succeeded in business and community.
Events like these are just the beginning, Marshall said. In time, they hope to expand to include multiple workshops and further programming, where people can come together on a larger scale to learn from each other, and form connections and community.
The team at Black to Business has expressed the difficulty in finding statistics in relation to Black men in business, and said events like Black Men Who Lead allow for the gathering of important data and the continued amplification of Black voices.
Black Men Who Lead 2024 will be taking place on Sept. 4 from 6:30–9 p.m. at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Building 92; 63 Flushing Ave. Tickets are available online starting at $25.
