eSSay
by Charles U. YoUng II
Where are black-owned businesses? African-American entrepreneurs need to step up their game in Sacramento
Charles U. Young II is self-employed and lives in Sacramento.
have a higher chance of owning a business Sacramento is a great small city to live in. than anywhere else. It’s not congested like other cities I’ve lived Some experts say it is a lack of in, such as New York and Los Angeles. education that keeps African Americans But I’m concerned about the lack of from achieving success. But I believe it black-owned businesses in Sacramento. is a lack of knowledge and vision that Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of doesn’t motivate people to take pride in African-Americans who have businesses, working for themselves. including corner stores, restaurants and For example, when I lived in Charlotte, funeral homes. And there are those N.C., I worked for a company called African Americans who choose to work Rent-A-Center for five years before from home. moving back to California. I But as I look around had an African-American Sacramento, there are a lot manager who had the of businesses that African gift for perfection. I Americans do not It seems as watched him refurbish own, such as dental appliances picked up offices, construction though we are on the from non-paying companies, motels short end of the stick customers and or wireless firms. make them look It seems as though when it comes to owning new. I told him we are on the short businesses besides barber he should work end of the stick for himself, and when it comes to shops, hair salons, soul now he contracts owning businesses food restaurants and throughout the area. besides barber shops, In 2019, we have hair salons, soul food funeral homes. access to a lot of restaurants and funeral information. But it seems homes. that some of us are only For example, I was between concerned about making money by jobs and I needed a lot of money rapping, singing or producing hits. fast. So I applied at car dealerships and As African Americans, we must independent car lots. Not one was owned or understand that we have something run by an African American. I’m not saying to offer the city and society. There is that other ethnic groups shouldn’t own something we can do to perfection that no businesses as well. one else can, and that can open up doors But I am concerned about the lack to success. It’s up to us to bring it out. Ω of black entrepreneurs in a state like California, where African Americans should 8 | SN&R | 04.04.19