Search
SBA Celebrates Black History Month
by Marie Johns, SBA Deputy Administrator
- Created: February 7, 2013, 2:30 pm
- Updated: February 7, 2013, 2:30 pm
In February, America celebrates and remembers the important milestones highlighted during Black History Month. Throughout our nation’s history, we have been united and inspired by the uniquely American dream that every person, with hard work and dedication, has the potential to achieve remarkable things. During Black History Month, we particularly honor these brave men and women who sacrificed and strove to achieve a better future for the coming generations—people like my grandfather, an entrepreneur and business owner whose landscaping company became one of the first African American-owned firms in Indiana to win a state contract.
In 2013—150 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and a mere 50 years after thousands of Americans came together in 1963 to march for equality in Washington, D.C.—minority-owned small businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of our economy, and an engine of opportunity for millions of hard-working men and women in our communities.
This is why, at the SBA, we are committed to supporting minority-owned small businesses and underserved communities through programs such as the Small Loan Advantage program and Community Advantage lenders, which are helping to fill market gaps in smaller dollar loans and loans to underserved communities. These programs also open up SBA loan products to new mission-based and non-profit lenders.
In his proclamation declaring February, 2013 to be Black History Month, President Obama says that “we see yesterday's visionaries in tomorrow's leaders, reminding us that while we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.” This month, as we honor the example of ordinary citizens who fought tirelessly for equal rights and opportunities, we reaffirm our shared commitment to helping individuals across this nation achieve the promise of the American dream.
About the Author
Marie Johns is Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is responsible for management and oversight of the agency, and leads the agency’s efforts to reach underserved communities.Contributors
Top Rated Articles
Community Help
About This Blog
The Official Blog of the U.S. Small Business Administration with news and views from top SBA officials
Archive
- February 2013 (24)
- January 2013 (31)
- December 2012 (24)
- November 2012 (29)
- October 2012 (26)
- September 2012 (29)
- August 2012 (26)
- July 2012 (29)
- June 2012 (25)
- May 2012 (33)
- April 2012 (35)
- March 2012 (36)
- February 2012 (35)
- January 2012 (30)
Comments
cashadvancelendersnow | Window Shopper | 2/22/2013 - 6:05 pm
SBA touches on black history month. I wonder what Lincoln would have said if
someone told him there would be a black president in 2013...I'm sure he would
be proud.
Calgary Moving Company | Window Shopper | 2/12/2013 - 1:21 pm
I think it's extremly important to remind us that there are great people in
our communities who contribute a great deal no matter what race or color they
are.
PhoenixWIR | Window Shopper | 2/7/2013 - 6:38 pm
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to leave comments. If you already have an SBA Community account, Log In to leave your comment.
New users, Register for a new account and join the conversation today!