A New Focus

It’s one of those days where one cup of coffee is not enough. Perhaps it’s the gray skies and all the rain. It feels as though the best course of action is back to bed. One thought before I climb back under the covers, though.

I’ve been meaning to tell you about a Zoom presentation I attended recently led by Columbia Archives manager Lela Sewell-Williams. Entitled “Columbia: the Vision, The Reality”, it was hosted by the Kings Contrivance Community Association. The information presented was mostly familiar to me, but there was one topic I really knew nothing about: minority-owned businesses. Ms.Sewell-Williams mentioned that Rouse put an emphasis on supporting Black-owned business and shared numbers that outlined their growth as Columbia evolved.

This was by far the most interesting thing I learned that day. In fact, I wished I could have learned more.

As it turns out, I’m in luck. The Columbia Archives, in collaboration with the Howard County Library System, is hosting a virtual event called “New Town Entrepreneurship Early Black-Owned Businesses in Columbia, 1967-1977.”  The event will take place on Thursday, August 6th, from 6 to 7:30 pm. From the announcement:

The evening will include a presentation featuring archival materials maintained within Columbia Archives, followed by a panel discussion with Howard County Black business owners: Brian K. SmithFounder of EduSerc), Funlayo Alabi (Co-founder and CEO of Shea Radiance) and Lakeysha Claxton (Homeland Custodial Services), moderated by Nathaniel Alston (founder of the Horizons Group and Ujamaa Business Roundtable), concluding with an audience Q&A. 

Choosing to focus on stories that aren’t usually told and highlight voices that aren’t usually heard from is such a timely choice for the Archives, and I’m excited to see it happen. I’m grateful to the Library System for partnering on this event as well. If you want to attend, here is the link to RSVP.