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NHPR reports that Black businesses are frustrated about being left off popular media “best of” lists and feel their success is being ignored.
Despite her success, Abrahams has been left off the West Hartford, Connecticut list. “It definitely crosses my mind; it is a bit bothersome,” she said.
The process of curating these lists varies depending on the city. However, advocates feel the process needs to change. “It would be good for these other larger publications to start embracing the richness of the culture that exists in Connecticut,” ShopBlackCT.com owner Yvette Young said.
“Are [publications] willing to say, ‘Let’s make sure we put in a more diverse group of businesses so that the output will be more representative of the communities that we serve?’”
The finger points to the lack of media coverage, translating to fewer business opportunities to grow and be recognized. “It’s a cycle,” Young said. “Without media coverage, Black businesses don’t get the same foot traffic, they don’t get the same sales, and they can’t grow at the same rate.”
For Abrahams, being featured on these lists isn’t just about the accolades but the opportunities that come with it. “It opens doors,” she said. “People take you a little more seriously.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
