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On Thursday, July 27 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, the BBEC will host a meeting for all its members + the Black business community.
As a means of accomplishing the BBEC mission with respect to arts and culture, we have an intergenerational Black Arts Council that actively works with and for the community. You can learn more about our work with the Black Arts Council which has been detailed in the following Berkshire Eagle press article: Diversity lacking at Berkshire arts and cultural venues, survey from the Black Arts Council of the Berkshire Black Economic Council shows
2023 BAC meeting schedule:
Interested in joining the BAC? Send a few sentences detailing your interest to communications@berkshirebec.org to be considered. All ages encouraged to apply!
A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is an American designation for businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled on a daily basis by one or more (in combination) American citizens including African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian Pacific American, and Native American businesses and/or gender (e.g. woman-owned) and/or military veteran classifications.
An MBE certification allows you to benefit from the many public and private programs designed to help minority-owned businesses, like minority-owned business grants. Here are some of the biggest advantages to getting certified as an MBE:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support in making I Am Afro: A Street Fair for All the People possible. This inclusive celebration, accessible to all attendees free of charge, has been made possible through your contributions. Our sincere appreciation goes to The Northern Berkshire United Way, The Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire, The Pittsfield Cultural Council, the NAACP Berkshire County Branch, MCLA Arts & Culture, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community grant funded by the Barr Foundation. Your support has created a vibrant and unifying experience for our community. Thank you for your invaluable partnership in promoting art, culture, and social harmony during this event.
BBEC President A.J. Enchill will provide an overview of the Council’s new website and the many opportunities for cultural organizations to engage with the group, including at events, through membership or a listing in their directory. A.J. will also touch on the directions of the Black Arts Council.
Session 1: Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 12pm – 2pm. Located in person at 33 Dunham Mall in Pittsfield. Lunch will be provided.
Session 2: Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 9am – 10am. Located on Zoom.
Please be sure to pre-register your attendance by emailing assistant@berkshirebec.org.
We thank the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires for their generous contribution to BBEC for our “Vibe North Street” grant program. The Jewish Women’s Foundation in the spirit of Tikkum To heal Olam’, is dedicated to addressing critical needs in the Berkshire community and supporting social action to create a more just and equitable society. Through grant funding and member engagement we pursue our mission to empower and strengthen organizations working to improve the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.
If this looks like something you don’t want to miss again! We would love to have you attend. Please pre-register and we will contact you as this annual event approaches.
Berkshire Black businesses will feature “pop-up” shops of their services! Please attend and bring your business cards and brochures. The Black business community will have theirs, along with gear, food samples, their products, takeaway items, and most importantly their experiences as entrepreneurs.
Our goal is to organize as many Berkshire Black businesses and entrepreneurs under one roof as we can. By embracing the principle of “cooperative economics” we will amplify their presence amongst businesses, leaders, public officials, and Berkshire residents. Please pre-register here and join us in this annual celebration and fun networking!
Dress in what makes you feel comfortable so you can represent your business and have fun after the programming. Food and entertainment will be provided. See you there!