Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Connections

Discussing challenges faced by minority-owned businesses

Ajamu Kitwana on "Connections."
Megan Mack
/
WXXI News
Ajamu Kitwana appears on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, August 22, 2022.

Earlier this month on Connections, Paychex founder Tom Golisano said concerns about racism are fueled mainly by the American media and not by reality. His comments extended to a discussion about highlighting minority-owned businesses, which he said is unfair to white business owners.

Data from the Federal Reserve System in 2021 shows businesses owned by people of color tend to experience more financial challenges than white-owned businesses -- and those challenges were exacerbated by the pandemic. In an effort to address racial inequities in the region, ESL has launched a second round of its Black and Latino Equity Grant Program.

This hour, we discuss the program, its goals, and the value in supporting minority-owned businesses. Our guests:

  • Ajamu Kitwana, vice president and director of community impact at ESL Federal Credit Union, and member of the WXXI Board of Trustees
  • Joyce "Cinnamon" Jones, owner of Eternal Soul Entertainment, and recipient of an ESL Black and Latino Equity Program grant
  • Justin Ortiz, CEO of Generation Outreach, and recipient of an ESL Black and Latino Equity Program grant
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.
Emmarae Stein is the production assistant for "Connections with Evan Dawson."