ProsperUs Detroit observes Black History Month as a time of remembrance and celebration. We hold in our memory brothers, sisters, siblings, and cousins who have died, in recent days at the hands of police and in the struggles of our ancestors in factories, on plantations, during the middle passage, and in barracoons. To us, celebrating Black history month means celebrating the rejection of the white narratives we have been conditioned to believe and to celebrate the beauty of perseverance, connection, self-determination, and creativity. Black history month is a time to uplift the resistance of the ancestors, reclaim the wisdom of the silenced, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future.
We want to recognize the injustices of capitalism are inseparable from white supremacy, both which have harmed Black communities in many ways. We understand that Black-owned businesses are not a solution to the evils of capitalism, but believe they do form an opportunity for communities to build self-determination and circulate resources amongst themselves. We also recognize that local commerce is a tool of the masses that can undermine globalized monopoly capitalism. We believe in a linked fate of all people and hope that we can contribute to a brighter future through the redistribution of resources.
During February, we will introduce you to 12 outstanding folks that carry with them the self-determined, Entrepreneurial Spirit of Detroit, all who have been connected to ProsperUs Detroit in some way. Stay tuned because we’ll be highlighting Black Entrepreneurs from our programs who are doing great things in their communities, who have dreamt and achieved, or who have stood up for their neighbors/community/people. Get ready to read about their stories, prized victories, and individual struggles. The experience of these Black Detroiters today is inextricably linked to all that has gone before, their success is a testament to adaptability, resourcefulness, and a desire to improve the lives of their loved ones and their community.
Today, like always, ProsperUs Detroit says #BlackLivesMatter and happy #BlackHistoryMonth!
With admiration,
The ProsperUs Detroit Team
