PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — More than 50 Black-owned businesses and nonprofits were highlighted at Pickerington High School North Sunday for the second-annual Black-Owned Business Fest.
The event celebrated Black History Month while lifting up local entrepreneurs and reminding people that small businesses are the backbone of central Ohio’s economy.
“Columbus, as we know, is a fast-growing community and city,” Black Student Union Organizer Christina Grice said. “So to have small businesses being recognized is incredible to see what they can do for a community such as Pickerington.”
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According to the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, small businesses make up nearly all employers in the state.
“Small business really is the heart of the nation,” small business owner Duanita Booker said.
For three hours on Sunday, Pickerington North’s field house became a hub of creativity, culture and commerce. The event was organized by the high school’s Black student union.
“A lot of these small businesses hold the same values that we hold in terms of supporting one another, supporting a community,” Pickerington North student Fenet Mekonnen said. “Obviously, there are those big businesses that we shop at every day, but by spending just a little more to somebody that’s more local, you’re establishing that personal relationship like, ‘I see you, you see me.’”
Data from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce shows there are about one million small businesses statewide, which is about 99.6% of Ohio’s employers.
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“It’s the heart of the community,” Change City Church Pastor Darrly Baker said. “Sometimes you don’t realize it, because if you pass by the big retailers, we’re glad for them, but it’s the small businesses that employ so many people, that are creative, that drive the economy that is growing Pickerington.”
Organizers said that during Black History Month, the celebration connected the past to the future.
“It’s not just Black history, it’s American history from a Black perspective,” Baker said. “And that’s so critical because America is such a diverse country. And I think we ought to celebrate all the different things that makes America great. And this is just one facet of it.”
According to organizers, by supporting local, Ohioans can fuel the growth of the state’s economy.
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