It was the first-ever Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Minnesota Capitol on Friday which drew hundreds to St. Paul for the gathering.
The day included a familiar voice. It was organized by WCCO host Sheletta Brundidge.
“All my black business owners, y'all made it baby,” said Brundidge. Through COVID, yes, you're looking good. It's cold outside but we are heating things up in here.”
The business owners heard from speakers, including Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who pledged their support moving forward.
Piere Barnes is in real estate and also runs a mobile barbershop. He says these kinds of events are important for businesses now and in the future.
“It just gives a little bit of exposure, puts names to faces, and faces to names and just connects us as a people,” Barnes says. “Because we're still getting over the hump of COVID.”
It gave the business owners a chance to share their experiences. Barnes says he wants to make mobile barbershops legal, and says they are more convenient and accessible.
“A lot of people aren’t mobile, some people don’t want to be in a four-cornered room and wait around for an hour or two for a haircut,” says Barnes. “It’s super convenient. It saves time, it saves money and it saves the environment too. Less carbon footprint because you’re not driving your car.”
It was also Brundidge’s birthday on Friday, and Governor Walz took time to sing her a happy birthday.
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