Mayor Johnson signs official proclamation declaring August ‘Black Business and Philanthropy Month’ in Dallas

DALLAS — Mayor Eric Johnson has issued an official proclamation declaring the month of August 2021 “Black Business and Philanthropy Month” in the City of Dallas.

“Dallas is a vibrant and diverse city,” Mayor Eric Johnson said. “This proclamation serves as a way to honor our city’s incredible Black businesses and philanthropists, who are pillars of our communities. They deserve our recognition and support.”

Harrison Blair, the President of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, joined Mayor Johnson on Thursday for the official signing of the proclamation at Dallas City Hall.

“I am grateful to Mayor Johnson for supporting our Black business community and for issuing this proclamation,” Blair said. “The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the mayor on his continued efforts to increase diversity in growing business sectors in our communities.”

Below is the full text of the mayor’s proclamation:

WHEREAS, Black Dallasites have a rich history of investing their time and talent in uplifting Dallas’ communities; and

WHEREAS, Black Business Month and Black Philanthropy Month are annual, global celebrations of African-descent entrepreneurship and giving in all its forms; and

WHEREAS, Black Business Month celebrates and encourages the need to support Black-owned businesses across the country; Dallas is the proud home of hundreds of Black-owned businesses; nearly thirteen percent of all businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex are Black-owned; and

WHEREAS, Black Philanthropy Month aims to invite all people of African ancestry and allied brothers and sisters to take August and beyond to promote the power of giving to transform lives; Dallas is home to numerous Black-run philanthropic organizations, including many of our houses of worship, and organizations that aim to empower, enrich, and assist our communities; and

WHEREAS, Black communities have vested reasons to celebrate and renew their rich, shared traditions of giving, entrepreneurship, and innovation throughout Dallas, the State of Texas, and the United States; and

WHEREAS, an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and achievement merit a concerted effort to lift up important stories, spotlight good work, educate generations, inspire giving, and support in every way Black-owned businesses and organizations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ERIC JOHNSON, Mayor of the City of Dallas, do hereby proclaim August 2021, as

BLACK BUSINESS AND PHILANTHROPY MONTH in Dallas, Texas.