As Black Business Month comes to a close and we prepare for a new school year, it’s essential to highlight the critical connection between education and entrepreneurship. Both are the backbone of any thriving community, and the BlaQue Resource Network is deeply committed to supporting these critical pillars. They drive not just individual success stories, but the collective strength of our neighborhoods and Queens’s Black community.
The BlaQue Resource Network, which started as a Facebook Group in 2019, has grown into a thriving organization with over 37,000 members across Queens. Our digital network has blossomed into a vital resource that connects Black-owned businesses with others in their communities, helping them build lasting relationships and promote their services. It’s also a place where education and entrepreneurship intersect in powerful ways.
One of the most significant ways we celebrate both education and entrepreneurship is through our annual Educators Back to School Brunch. This event, set this year for Saturday, Aug. 31, is one of our most well-attended and impactful events. The gathering celebrates educators, many of whom are also entrepreneurs themselves, and brings people together to volunteer, network, share educational resources and showcase local Black-owned businesses and vendors.
The objectives are simple: create a joyful atmosphere, connect with fellow educators and business leaders and prepare for a great school year. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and gather inspiration as the new school year begins. It brings our online community together in real life.
Educators are at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. When teachers bring an entrepreneurial spirit into the classroom, they promote creativity, critical thinking and they inspire students to explore new ideas and take risks. These skills are essential not just for starting businesses, but for any kind of innovation and civic engagement that moves society forward. Teachers with an entrepreneurial mindset demonstrate the values of lifelong learning and adaptability to technological advancements. They show their students that education and creative problem-solving go hand in hand.
Online platforms have made entrepreneurship more accessible, particularly for Black and female business owners. Local businesses now have a global reach. But while social media and digital tools make it easier to start a business from your laptop or tablet, these entrepreneurs still face systemic barriers that can only be overcome through sustained support and strategic collaboration. A strong local economy, supported by innovative small businesses, is essential to the health of any community. When businesses succeed, they create jobs, stimulate local investment, reinforce cultural values and foster a sense of pride and ownership.
Supportive communities on Facebook, Instagram, Threads or in-person are vital to this process. They provide the connections and networks that are essential for mentorship and mutual support. The BlaQue Resource Network harnesses the power of these connections, leveraging its digital assets to bring people together in ways that have a tangible impact on our communities throughout the five boroughs.
By ensuring that educators have the resources they need to inspire the next generation, we are investing in the future of Black-owned businesses and the health of our neighborhoods. Strong schools and vibrant local economies reinforce each other, creating a promising cycle of growth, opportunity and resilience.
Let’s commit to championing the educators and entrepreneurs who are nurturing and empowering our communities. This month and every month. By focusing on education and local economies, we are not just supporting individuals—we are strengthening the very fabric of our communities. The BlaQue Resource Network is proud to play a role in this important work, driving real, positive change that will benefit us all.
*Aleeia Abraham is the founder of the BlaQue Resource Network, a community collective dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black communities and businesses via strategic initiatives and collaborations.
