National Black Funding Day: A Celebration of Equity and Empowerment
National Black Funding Day is a newly established national holiday dedicated to recognizing the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in the funding industry. It also aims to shed light on the disparities in funding opportunities for Black-owned businesses and minority entrepreneurs. This day serves as a call to action for greater equity, education, and investment in underrepresented communities.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 30th (annually)
- Tagged as: A day to celebrate Black entrepreneurship and address funding disparities
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalBlackFundingDay
- When was it founded?: 2023
- Who founded it?: Dr. Rashae Barnes, founder of Evals Equity Women’s Fund
History of National Black Funding Day
The idea for National Black Funding Day was spearheaded by Dr. Rashae Barnes, who recognized the systemic barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs in accessing venture capital and other funding opportunities. The holiday was officially registered through National Day Archives and first celebrated on September 30, 2023. It was created to honor the resilience of Black business owners, highlight inequities in funding, and encourage corporations to invest in Black founders.
Historically, Black entrepreneurs have faced significant challenges due to racial bias, lack of representation in decision-making roles within venture capital firms, and structural inequalities. Despite these obstacles, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion have gained momentum in recent years. National Black Funding Day symbolizes a commitment to fostering a more equitable financial ecosystem.
Timeline
- 2020: Increased focus on racial justice after George Floyd’s murder leads to temporary growth in funding for Black-led startups.
- 2021: Funding for Black founders nearly triples compared to previous years.
- 2023: Dr. Rashae Barnes announces the creation of National Black Funding Day.
- September 30, 2023: The first National Black Funding Day is celebrated.
- Ongoing: Annual observances with educational events and fundraising efforts.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month & Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 30 | Sunday |
Observed
National Black Funding Day is observed through various activities, including:
- Educational workshops on securing venture capital and grants
- Fundraising events for minority-owned businesses
- Celebrations highlighting the achievements of Black entrepreneurs
- Social media campaigns using #NationalBlackFundingDay
Fun Facts About National Black Funding Day
- Less than 2% of total venture capital funding goes to Black entrepreneurs annually.
- Dr. Rashae Barnes founded Evals Equity to support women of color in accessing funding.
- The holiday encourages corporations to take actionable steps toward economic equity.
Quiz
- When is National Black Funding Day observed?
- (Answer: September 30th)
- Who founded this holiday?
- (Answer: Dr. Rashae Barnes)
- What is the official hashtag?
- (Answer: #NationalBlackFundingDay)
FAQs
What is the purpose of National Black Funding Day?
It aims to celebrate Black entrepreneurship while addressing disparities in funding opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
How can I participate?
Support by attending educational events, donating to minority-owned businesses, or spreading awareness using the official hashtag.
Related
- Venture capital disparities
- Economic equity initiatives
- Minority business grants
- Evals Equity Women’s Fund