The Executive Summary
For a Long-Term Strategy
BlacATL30 5-10 Year Black Business and Community Development Strategy
Back Ground and Overview
This document outlines how this plan was conceived and the potential benefit.
Planning Effort Overview
The BlacATL30 Strategic Plan is not just a community-driven initiative, it's an urgent call to action. It seeks to establish a unified strategy for Atlanta's Black business community's economic growth and social and civic empowerment from 2025 to 2030. This plan emerged from a critical gap: currently, there is no comprehensive strategy or cohesive approach for the development of Black businesses and their communities. The absence of a dedicated plan means there is no clear measure of the economic value that could be realized by supporting and growing Black businesses, nor any agreement on the specific outcomes or benefits for the community.
While various organizations and government programs offer support to Black businesses, their efforts lack coordination and direction toward a common goal. The BlacATL30 plan, however, offers a ray of hope. It addresses this gap by providing a clear and focused roadmap with specific goals to achieve lasting change, moving beyond the current fragmented, ad-hoc efforts. The potential benefits of this plan are immense, offering a brighter future for Atlanta's Black business community, and a sense of optimism for the entire city.
This plan is not just a document; it's a symbol of unity. It brings together all sectors involved in community economic development, aligning and coordinating their contributions to achieve common objectives. By effectively combining resources, the plan aims to drive meaningful change and establish a sustainable framework that remains dynamic and adaptable for future growth. This dynamic and adaptable nature of the plan instills hope and optimism for the future. This collaborative approach is not just a key to our success; it invites everyone to be part of the solution. This plan utilizes Black businesses' captivity as an economic engine producing desired outcomes.
Background of Strategic Plan Development:
2019—Group One: A coalition of prominent Black leaders in Atlanta committed to developing a long-term strategic action plan for Black businesses. Their goal was to foster collaboration, address economic inequities, and advocate for policy changes to advance economic and social justice, ultimately creating a consensus-driven plan to enhance economic opportunities and empower Black communities.
2021—Group Two: Composed of nonprofit and Black community leaders charrette, this group adopted a community-driven approach to racial equity and empowerment. They prioritized cultural, social, and economic growth to achieve sustainable development for Black communities in Atlanta. Their strategy focused on improving community environments, building essential capabilities, and implementing targeted changes, demonstrating a solid commitment to shared responsibility and community cohesion.
1. Both groups were facilitated by Mr. B. Kirk Patterson, a Certified Malcolm Baldrige Quality Examiner/facilitator: Group One in person and Group Two via Zoom. Each utilized the same agenda and methodology, which allowed them to make input anonymously without acrimony. Every word inputted was captured and is available as Raw Data.
Given the space of time, it was important to evaluate whether there were different views of what needed to be done to enhance Black business development and their communities.
The insights from both groups were synthesized to create the 5-10-year BlacATL30 Strategy Map, which identifies shared opportunities, aligns strategies, and presents a unified vision for Atlanta's community. This strategy map was developed by thoroughly analyzing the goals and priorities the two community charrette groups identified, resulting in a cohesive, actionable plan and supported by Artificial Intelligence for analysis and data point development.
BlacATL30 seeks to fill the existing void by providing a coordinated, long-term approach, creating a path to sustained economic development, social justice, and civic empowerment for Atlanta's community.
We encourage every local community and government to establish their own BlacATL30 Roadmap and utilize a plan for community and business development. BlacIntellec stands ready to assist as requested.
Joseph R. Hudson
Founder
Executive Summary
This document outlines the rationale for BlacATL30 Strategic Plan
2. Purpose of the ReportThis report analyzes the offerings of Black leadership in years past to determine their potential for improving Black businesses and their community over five or more years. It presents findings from two community charrette discussions and offers economic development tools.
This plan emerged because there is no recognized unified strategy for the growth and development of Black businesses and their communities. While there are many organizations and government programs offering support, there is no single plan guiding these efforts toward a shared outcome. BlacATL30 fills this gap by providing a clear, focused roadmap with specific goals to achieve lasting change rather than relying on scattered efforts or chance successes. All local communities and governments should develop a BlacATL30 Plan.
3. Objectives
· In 2019, Group One—a coalition of prominent Black leaders in Atlanta—committed to creating a long-term strategic action plan for Black businesses. Their focus was on fostering collaboration, addressing economic inequities, and advocating for policy changes to advance economic and social justice. They aimed to develop a consensus-driven plan to enhance economic opportunities and empower Black communities.
· In 2021, Group Two, composed of nonprofit and Black community leaders, adopted a community-driven approach to racial equity and empowerment. They prioritized cultural, social, and economic empowerment to achieve sustainable growth for Black communities in Atlanta. Their strategy included improving community environments, building essential capabilities, and implementing targeted changes. Their continuous engagement and leadership demonstrate a strong commitment to shared responsibility and community spirit.
4. Methodology Participants were future at-large members of the BlacIntellec BAR (Black Assembly Registry), a crucial catalog of Black Intelligence and Wisdom that articulates the Black position on issues facing the community. They were selected based on their engagement with and understanding of Black Community issues. All participants shall remain anonymous. The charrettes were conducted over three sessions, and data was collected through structured questions, recorded responses, and thematic analysis utilizing Artificial Intelligence.
The entire RAW DATA report of all contributions of this offering is available at BlacIntellec.
5. Key Themes and Findings
The themes in the "Consolidated Report of Findings" can be summarized as follows:
Community Empowerment and Economic Access:
The participants focus on improving collaboration, creating innovative economic solutions, and influencing policymakers to ensure economic mobility and empowerment for Black residents in metro Atlanta.
Cultural Preservation and Respect:
Emphasizing respect within the community, promoting inter-generational collaboration, maintaining positive historical rituals, and enhancing understanding among community members are key cultural priorities.
6. Economic Development and Opportunity:
· There is a strong emphasis on ensuring universal access to economic opportunities, supporting Black-owned businesses, improving access to capital, and changing economic priorities to better serve the community's needs.
7. Political and Civic Engagement:
· Increasing political awareness, voter participation, and including diverse voices in decision-making processes are highlighted as crucial for community development.
8. Community Stability and Quality of Life:
· Priorities include achieving financial security, ensuring neighborhood stability, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life within the community.
9. Challenges and Barriers:
· The community faces significant challenges such as job discrimination, poor education, lack of resources, transportation issues, and ineffective leadership, which hinder progress.
10. Sustainable Community Change:
The report outlines initiatives for preserving culture, enhancing civic engagement, improving education and economic development, expanding green spaces, and promoting health and wellness. Eliminating systemic barriers and ensuring equitable outcomes are essential for sustainable community
Summary: This consolidated set of themes and findings underscores the community's vision to create a thriving, inclusive ecosystem that addresses systemic challenges and empowers Black residents economically, culturally, and socially. By focusing on strategic planning, impactful changes, and fostering partnerships, the community aims to achieve sustainable improvements in quality of life, economic stability, and civic empowerment, instilling a sense of hope and optimism for the future.
11. Recommendations The Black business community and their beneficiaries develop an overarching 5-10 year strategic plan specifically for Black business growth and sustainability is essential. This strategic plan would serve as a comprehensive roadmap to guide efforts in supporting Black entrepreneurs, promoting economic equity, and fostering long-term community development. Here's how the strategic plan could be structured:
1. Introduction
· Background and Context This report explores the challenges faced by the Atlanta Black community and it’s businesses in the context of systemic racism, media bias, and political motivations. This offering serves as a microcosm for the broader struggles Black leaders face in America and the impact of these struggles on the Black community. It responds to a need to have a continuing strategic effort in place to assist the Black community and businesses.
· Objectives The primary objective is to determine if the needs of the Black community has changed through the eyes of those participants who have been the closest to its very existence in the past 4-6 years.
2. To develop a 5-10 year Black business Strategic Plan
· Scope of the Report The report covers the findings from two community charrettes held at various periods of time addressing the same community question. It analyzes the broader implications of the data, and provides recommendations for addressing the issues identified, particularly concerning the Black community.
1. Methodology
· Participant Demographics Participants included a diverse group of individuals engaged in business and community issues, ranging in age, gender, and professional backgrounds. They included community leaders, some elected leaders, non-profit executives, and ordinary Black citizens. They volunteered to provide a wide range of perspectives on the economic challenges faced by Black businesses and their impact on the Black community.
· Focus Group Structure The focus groups were organized into three sessions, each lasting approximately ninety minutes. Pre-determined questions based upon the excellence tenets of the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Program created at the US Department of Commerce guided discussions. Participants were encouraged to share their insights freely, particularly concerning the community impact.
· Data Collection Mr. B. Kirk Patterson, our volunteer market research analyst and certified Baldrige Quality Examiner, facilitated the session. All input made via computer was anonymous, and no attribution or retribution identification was made of the source to promote candor. Inputters could comment on another person's responses should they wish to amplify or offer a differing opinion with in-person facilitation. Thus, each word was captured online in a "Word" program and retained for posterity. Group One lasted eight hours, and Group Two was conducted over two days and comprised 14 hours via zoom. They both address the same menu of questions, the only difference being the number of participants. Group Two was comprised seventy participants; thus, the pace was slowed to allow input from the various persons. The Group One had only 15 persons and thus moved faster
2. Findings
· the findings from the consolidated studies focused on understanding and addressing the challenges faced by Black communities in metro Atlanta. The goal of the research was to explore the expectations of community members, assess cultural and economic impacts, and develop a strategic blueprint for community change. This document reflects the community’s collective voice, highlighting their priorities, challenges, and proposed solutions to foster a more equitable and empowered society.
· Combined Group Expectations
Participants engaged in this community initiative outlined several core expectations, focused primarily on developing actionable plans to address the systemic challenges faced by African American communities, particularly in metro Atlanta.
Key expectations include:
· Consensus Action Plan: Developing a cohesive, community-driven strategy to empower African American communities economically and socially.
· Learning Group Dynamics and Strategic Planning: Participants wish to harness the power of group thinking, improve listening skills, and learn effective collaborative methods that can be applied to problem-solving.
· Economic Solutions for Black Communities: Addressing economic inequities and creating pathways for financial stability and growth in Black communities is a top priority.
· Policy Advocacy: Learning techniques to effectively move policymakers toward decisions that benefit the Black community.
· Building Consensus on Economic Equity: Participants emphasize the need for action plans that promote economic access, mobility, and empowerment for Black residents in metro Atlanta.
· Participants aim to build a strategic, coalition-based approach that unifies efforts across different sectors to advance economic and social justice.
3. Summary of Combined Findings
3.1 Community Impact Goals:
Focus on fostering cultural pride, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
Promote Black business growth, increase access to capital, and support wealth-building initiatives.
Encourage political engagement, voter participation, and community involvement in decision-making.
3.2 Challenges and Opportunities:
Challenges: Economic instability, job discrimination, poor education, inadequate public services, systemic racism, and lack of effective leadership.
Opportunities: Improve financial security, neighborhood stability, public policies, infrastructure, education, and housing.
Necessary Changes:
Policy Changes: Eliminate voter suppression, support reparations, and promote equitable access toresources.
Systemic Changes: Include Black businesses in economic planning, reduce lending barriers, and require community reinvestment by developers.
Physical and Social Changes: Improve infrastructure, expand affordable housing, promote cultural recognition, and foster community pride.
Metrics for Success:
Increased graduation rates, voter participation, family wealth, healthcare access, and green spaces.
Address cognitive awareness, redistribute resources, overcome political resistance, and engage community influencers.
Prioritized Initiatives:
High Priority: Economic and policy changes, such as supporting Black businesses and eliminating voter suppression.
Quick to Implement: Social and physical improvements, like community pride initiatives and infrastructure upgrades.
Implementation Strategies:
Leverage social media, build coalitions, and engage community partners.
Use accountability measures to track progress and ensure community participation.
Overall Strategy:
Emphasize a community-driven approach to achieve racial equity through cultural, social, and economic empowerment.
Focus on sustainable growth, collaborative efforts, and supportive leadership to create a thriving future for Black residents in metro Atlanta
4. Narrative Synopsis of Desired Black Business 5–10-year Strategic Plan
The BlacATL30 Strategic Plan outlines several key outcomes aimed at fostering economic empowerment, political engagement, social justice, education, and community cohesion for Black residents in metro Atlanta:
Wealth Building: Promote economic stability and reduce racial wealth gaps by supporting Black-owned businesses, creating quality jobs, and ensuring equitable access to financial resources.
Political Empowerment: Strengthen political influence by ensuring active participation in policymaking, advocating for equitable laws, and securing resources for the community.
Voting: Increase voter participation and civic engagement to empower the community to influence government decisions.
Eliminating Systemic Racism: Achieve equitable public policies that ensure fair treatment in education, healthcare, employment, and law enforcement.
Black Business Growth: Encourage the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses to enhance local economic activity, job creation, and community wealth.
Workforce Development: Build a skilled workforce by providing training and education opportunities, leading to higher employment rates and economic mobility.
Boosting Black Self-Esteem: Foster self-esteem, pride, and unity within the community to reinforce cultural preservation and empowerment.
Stronger After-School Programs: Improve educational outcomes by implementing stronger after-school programs that support youth development.
Overcoming Negative Perceptions: Counter negative stereotypes by promoting pride, unity, and resilience within the community.
Addressing Police Brutality: Advocate for equitable law enforcement policies to reduce police brutality and improve community safety.
Engaging Black City Leaders: Ensure the Black community's needs are represented in decision-making by empowering local leaders.
Innovation: Promote innovation in business, technology, and community development to drive growth and create new opportunities.
5. Community Values
To achieve these outcomes, the community must align its values with the following:
Economic Stability: Foster sustainable growth, support local businesses, and create job opportunities.
Neighborhood Stability: Promote affordable housing, reduce displacement, and support cohesive communities.
Equitable Public Policy: Ensure policies distribute resources fairly, addressing systemic disparities.
Improvement in Quality of Life: Enhance access to services, recreation, and cultural opportunities.
Better Healthcare: Improve access, affordability, and quality of health services.
Addressing Police Targeting and Violence: Develop fair policing practices to build trust and promote safety.
Access to Quality Jobs: Provide education, training, and pathways to high-paying jobs.
6. Required Actions
Actions to support these goals include:
Civic Engagement and Voting: Encourage community members to participate in advocacy and voting.
Support Black Businesses: Promote local shopping, networking, and better access to resources for Black-owned businesses.
Educational Advancement: Enhance cultural education and support professional growth.
Preserving Culture: Promote programs that teach Black history and community pride.
Resource Utilization: Leverage community assets and partnerships effectively.
Housing Development: Engage in initiatives for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.
Better Support Services: Improve access to education, capital, and community resources.
7. Essential Resources
Key resources needed include:
Eliminating Voter Suppression: Promote civic engagement and voting.
Reparations: Address systemic inequities and improve economic stability.
Reducing Lending Barriers: Provide financial resources to Black entrepreneurs.
Improving Infrastructure: Enhance community safety and accessibility.
Affordable Housing: Support neighborhood stability and community resilience.
Affordable Childcare: Enable workforce participation and reduce family burdens.
Promoting Black Pride and Unity: Strengthen cultural identity and community cohesion.
8. Conclusion
The findings underscore the community’s commitment to achieving equity, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the well-being of Black residents in metro Atlanta. The report calls for concerted efforts to address systemic barriers, improve economic access, and enhance political and civic engagement. By aligning policy, social, and economic changes with community needs, metro Atlanta can create a more inclusive, empowered, and sustainable future for its Black residents.
9. Key Components of BlacATL30
Economic Engine: Strengthening Black businesses to drive sustainable growth and prosperity.
Unity of Thought: Uniting the Black community to inspire and connect for collective progress.
Addressing Core Issues: Identifying and tackling the key stressors affecting economic success.
Leveraging Local Capabilities: Using local cultural heritage, community resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit to foster development.
Actionable Resources: Providing the tools and resources needed to implement the plan and align with community values.
Regular updates to the data and goals every two to five years are crucial to maintain relevance and keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
10. Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as:
Access to Capital:
Increase in the number of Black-owned businesses receiving loans or investments.
Growth in the total capital disbursed to Black businesses annually.
Business Development:
Number of businesses supported through incubators, accelerators, or mentorship programs.
Improvement in business survival rates and revenue growth among participating businesses.
Businesses placed in communities of need.
Local Economic Impact:
Percentage increase in local spending at Black-owned businesses.
Growth in Black-owned business participation in government and corporate procurement.
Number of employees including self-employment created by location.
Policy Advocacy:
Number of policy changes or reforms enacted to support Black businesses.
Increased representation of Black business interests in policymaking bodies.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Number of new businesses and startups launched in emerging industries and in local communities
Increase in patents, trademarks, or intellectual property registered by Black entrepreneurs.
11. Call to Action Timeline and Phases
Phase 1 (Years 1-2): Establish foundational programs and partnerships, including such as a policy council.
Phase 2 (Years 3-5): Expand business support services, launch large-scale advocacy campaigns, and drive local economic engagement through "Buy Black" and supplier diversity initiatives, promote Black tourism.
Phase 3 (Years 6-10): Scale successful programs, refine strategies based on feedback and data, and pursue innovative growth opportunities and partnerships.
12. Governance and Accountability
Establish a Strategic Oversight Committee: Create a committee composed of business leaders, community representatives, and financial experts to oversee the plan's implementation, monitor progress, and ensure accountability.
Regular Progress Reporting: Provide quarterly and annual reports on key metrics, successes, challenges, and adjustments to stakeholders and the community.
Community Feedback Mechanism: Implement a system for ongoing community feedback to ensure that the plan remains responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.
13. Community Engagement and Communication
Seek involvement of All Atlanta Business Resources organizations and local governments
Develop a Communication Plan: Use social media, newsletters, community forums, and events to keep the community informed and engaged in the strategic plan's progress.
Leverage Local Media and Influencers: Partner with local media outlets and influencers to promote Black business achievements and raise awareness about the strategic plan.
14. Resources and Funding
Identify Funding Sources: Explore diverse funding streams, including grants, sponsorships, philanthropic contributions, and public-private partnerships.
Leverage Existing Assets: Utilize community spaces, local expertise, and volunteer networks to minimize costs and maximize impact
15. Further Research
Studies on the impact of media bias on legal outcomes, particularly concerning the Black community.
Research into the long-term effects of political challenges on Black leadership and community morale.
Conduct economic Impact study and upgrade every three to five years
16. Community Engagement
Encourage community-based initiatives to support Black businesses.
Foster dialogue within the Black community on the challenges faced by Black business owners in leadership roles.
Promote resilience and collective action within the Black community to counteract systemic challenges.
Final Analysis
17. Key Insights from the Combined Findings
· Unified Vision and Strategic Alignment:
Both groups demonstrate a shared commitment to fostering a community-driven approach to achieving racial equity, economic empowerment, and social cohesion. This alignment suggests a strong foundation for creating a comprehensive, community-wide strategy that integrates cultural, economic, and social initiatives to address systemic challenges facing Black communities in metro Atlanta.
· Economic Empowerment as a Central Focus:
The findings underscore economic empowerment as the central pillar of community transformation. There is a consistent emphasis on improving access to high-demand careers, entrepreneurial opportunities, and financial stability. This suggests that economic initiatives, such as supporting Black-owned businesses, increasing access to capital, and advocating for equitable economic policies, should be prioritized to create long-term impact and sustainable growth.
19. Need for Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:
· Effective partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and governmental bodies are critical for closing capability gaps and ensuring the community’s needs are met. This insight highlights the importance of forming coalitions and leveraging partnerships to maximize resources, influence policy, and drive collective action toward common goals.
20. Cultural Preservation and Identity as Empowerment Tools:
· Cultural preservation, including teaching Black history, fostering pride, and promoting self-awareness, is recognized as a key strategy for community empowerment. This approach not only reinforces community identity but also serves as a tool for building resilience, unity, and intergenerational collaboration, which are essential for achieving broader social and economic objectives.
21.Critical Role of Civic Engagement:
· The findings emphasize the need for increased political awareness, voter participation, and advocacy. This insight points to civic engagement as a vital component of community empowerment. Ensuring that diverse voices are represented in decision-making processes can drive policy changes that directly benefit the Black community, leading to more equitable outcomes.
22.Addressing Systemic Barriers:
· Both groups highlight systemic barriers—such as racial discrimination, limited access to resources, economic instability, and police violence—as significant impediments to progress. Understanding these barriers is key to developing targeted initiatives that dismantle these obstacles and create equitable opportunities for all community members.
23.Importance of Measurable Metrics and Accountability:
· The consistent call for metrics to track progress—such as graduation rates, voter participation, wealth growth, and health outcomes—signals the need for a structured approach to measure success. This insight reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing and evaluating community initiatives to ensure they meet their intended goals.
24.Integrated Approach to Change:
· A comprehensive strategy that combines cultural, economic, social, and physical changes is necessary for meaningful community transformation. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnected nature of various challenges and opportunities, ensuring that no single aspect of community life is addressed in isolation.
25.Conclusion:
Understanding these insights can guide the development of a strategic, multi-faceted plan that leverages community strengths, addresses systemic challenges, and promotes collaboration. By focusing on economic empowerment, cultural preservation, civic engagement, and strategic partnerships, the community can create a sustainable path toward racial equity and overall well-being in Black Atlanta.
This framework is not just a model but a beacon of hope for the future. With an incubation period from 2025 to 2030, its potential impact is immense. BlacIntellec believes that, despite potential challenges, this plan is the best strategy to reclaim power and economic influence, guiding the community toward a brighter future.
The plan aims to achieve a more equitable and empowered community by addressing systemic challenges, promoting economic growth, ensuring equitable public policies, enhancing quality of life, and fostering cultural pride and unity. By aligning community values with desired outcomes and utilizing available resources effectively, the community can work toward an inclusive and thriving future.
We invite all individuals and groups committed to this vision to join us in working on the plan and continuously improving it over time. Your involvement is key to making BlacATL30 a reality.
26 . Final Thoughts The findings underscore the need for a Strategic Plan to lead and guide the City of Atlanta in incorporating Black businesses into the wealth and development of the city.
The following is a visual offering of the summary and is a potential template of the desired Black business 5-10year Strategic Plan (BlacATL30). The entire plan should be held outside of the government. ALL local communities should adopt a BlacATL30 Plan.
27. Call to Action
In order to begin implementation of this plan there needs to be general agreement on its need and basic strategy. The following need to be invited for more discussion, agreement, and approach:
Suggested Community Partner Index
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BlacIntellec, The Black Atlanta Think Tank, stands as a formidable force within the Black community, recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to addressing economic challenges. Amidst a landscape where such initiatives are often absent, BlacIntellec boldly steps into the breach, wielding a diverse arsenal of platforms. Beyond mere advocacy, BlacIntellec assumes the mantle of protector, safeguarding the hard-won gains of Black economic development. Fearlessly championing fair treatment and equitable opportunities within the business ecosystem, BlacIntellec serves as a staunch sentinel against the insidious encroachment of systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices that threaten the prosperity of Black enterprises. Through meticulously crafted focus groups, incisive opinion papers, strategic collaborations, groundbreaking research, and decisive actions, BlacIntellec confronts head-on the multifaceted challenges confronting Black businesses and communities. At the heart of BlacIntellec's mission lies a commitment to amplifying the voices of the Black community, ensuring their perspectives resonate powerfully in the corridors of influence. Every endeavor undertaken by BlacIntellec begins with the harmonious convergence of diverse, experienced voices from within the Black community, fostering a collective strength that transcends individual challenges.
Its core function is to “Curate and Utilize the Collective Wisdom and Intellect of the Black Community to Support its Advancement.”
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