By Fletcher Word
The Truth Editor
The Black Wall Street Community Development – a collaborative effort organized by The Juice Radio Station, The Truth Newspaper, Pursuit Magazine and Kristi Knighten of KK Apparel – brought together about four dozen Black business owners on Wednesday, December 17 at The Entrepreneurs Club to network, to share experiences and to learn about growth opportunities.
The prototype for the project is ‘Black Wall Street,’ the burgeoning Black business community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was infamously and tragically destroyed by white mobs over 100 years ago in 1921.
BWSCD attracts like-minded businesses owners, nonprofit leaders, and supporters at every stage of the business. There is no invitation or charge – just an opportunity to grow together and support and grow our community of businesses.
This event was held at the Entrepreneurs Club (222 Fassett St.) owned by Black entrepreneur Vince Evans. Organizers of BWSCD are Battle-Gaines, sales manager at WJUC 107.3 The Juice; Rick Hogan and Debra Hogan, owners of WJUC 107.3 The Juice (Fleming Street Communications); Fletcher Word, owner and publisher of The Sojourner’s Truth Newspaper; and Stayce Fowler, owner and publisher of Pursuit Magazine and Kristi Knighten, owner and designer of KK Apparel.
After about 45 minutes of mixing and networking, last week’s event was opened by Toni Battle-Gaines, the lead organizer of the collaborative. Battle -Gaines emphasized that the group is not merely an opportunity to mingle. The next steps are to develop funding sources and resources from a wide range of government and non-government entities.
The keynote address was presented by LeSean Shaw, owner of Actual Reality Technologies and vice president of Empowered AI. Shaw’s message, however, was focused on the upcoming rebirth of the Toledo African American Chamber of Commerce. The location, online information, bank accounts have already been set up and the reception for potential members will be held early in 2026.
Shaw explained the programming and benefits that members can expect from the revived TAACC.
After Shaw’s presentation each attendee had a chance to explain his or her business – all voices were heard.
The BWSCD networking events began in the summer of 2023 – this latest event brought together contractors, artists, restaurateurs, realtors, among others.