b'EMBRACING DENVERS BLACK BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND SOCIAL EQUITYments and a Cash Bar, cre-atingarelaxedandenjoy-BY MAYA WHEELER able atmosphere conducive to forging meaningful connections.D enverisonthebrinkJohnBailey,DirectorofCBRTand ofanimpactfulinitia- Black Economic Opportunities Council, tivethatpromisestoaptly describes the importance of these upliftandempowertheBlackMonthly Black Business Meet & Greets, stating,Thesegatheringsarecru-businesscommunity.Thecial, particularly in the post-pandemic ColoradoBlackRoundTablelandscape where Black businesses are (CBRT)haspartneredwithanstillchartingtheirpathtorecovery. influentialcoalitionoforgani- Theyprovideaplatformforinforma-zationstolaunchaseriesoftion sharing, networking, and relation-ship-building,allofwhichareindis-Monthly Black Business Meet &pensable for the communitys growth. Greets, scheduled to commenceThis approach represents a new way of on Wednesday, November 15thdoing business in Denver, uniting com-attheHolidayInnStapletonmunityorganizations,industrylead-onQuebecStreet.Thisinitia- John Bailey ers, and business stakeholders with a shared focus on equity and community tiverepresentsasubstantiallandscapeofthecity,sheddinglightbenefits.leaptowardrealizingeconom- onopportunitiesforBlackbusiness- As we look forward to the future, we icopportunityandadvancinges. Rev. Ben Sanders, Denvers newlyanticipate an inspiring lineup of guest socialequityforBlack-ownedappointedChiefEquityOfficer,willspeakers in the months to come:explorethevitalroleofsocialequity businesses in Denver. inthecommunityandhowcollectivenDecember 13th: Phil Washington, The significance of this initiative can- efforts can help achieve it. CEO, DENnotbeoverstated.Black-ownedbusi- These elements render the MonthlynJanuary17th:RobertKenney, nesses in Denver have encountered aBlackBusinessMeet&GreetsmoreXcel Presidentunique set of challenges, from securingthan just a gathering; they serve as anFebruary21:JJAment,CEO& access to capital to grappling with sys- platform for empowerment, education,President, Downtown Denver Chamber temic barriers that have hindered theirand collaboration. Attendees can alsoof Commercegrowth.Thesechallengeshavebeenexpect:further exacerbated by the pandemic.Our heartfelt gratitude goes to H.J. TheMonthlyBlackBusinessMeet&nBlackBusinessUpdates:StayingRussell and Concessions International Greets are designed to address theseinformedaboutthelatestdevelop- for their generous sponsorship of this issues head-on and offer concrete solu- ments and opportunities. event,underscoringtheirunwavering tions for the community. nSpotlightonBlackCommunitycommitment to the advancement of the TheinauguraleventonNovemberOrganizations:Recognizingandcele- Black business community.15th will consist of two key segments: bratingthevitalworkofcommunityThecommunityisencouragedto nBlackBusinessNetworkingHourorganizationsthathavebeeninstru- bepartofthishistoricendeavorto (5:00pm-6:00pm):ThisdedicatedmentalinsupportingBlack-ownedpromoteEconomicOpportunityand networking session provides an oppor- businesses. SocialEquityintheCityofDenver. tunity for attendees to connect, sharenEngagingConversationsonTogether, we can build a more prosper-experiences, and establish lasting rela- Diversity,Equity,andInclusion:ous and equitable future for all Denver tionships. Participationincrucialdiscussionsresidents.Markyourcalendarsand addressing these paramount themes. lets embark on this inspiring journey nBusinessProgramonEconomictogether! RSVP to cbrt2014@gmail.com.OpportunityandSocialEquityinthenCommitteetoRecognition City of Denver (6pm): This program willAcknowledgement: Taking a moment to featuretwoesteemedguestspeakers,celebrateandhonorkeycontributorsMaya Wheeler is the Executive Director each bringing their unique insights. to the Black business community whoand Founder of the Wezesha Dada Center have made a substantial impact. (WDC), whose mission and programs play AdeebKhan,thenewlyappoint- a pivotal role in empowering historically excluded women and girls across Colorado edExecutiveDirectoroftheDenverIn addition to the thought-provokingand beyond. Through a holistic approach Economic Development Office, will pro- discussions and networking opportuni- that fosters well-being and economic suc-vide expert guidance on the economicties, attendees can enjoy light refresh- cess.2 11/23 bocnews.com'