HOUSTON- The Houston Black Book African American Business Directory will host its second bi-annual “IN THE BLACK” Black Business Empowerment Summit, Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Koinonia Community Center, 3229-A Hadley Ave. @ Tierwester in Houston’s Historic Third Ward.  The theme for this summit is a return to the glory days of Black Wall Street.

During the early 1900s, cities and communities across the nation were faced with segregation and relied on community reciprocity: doing business with each other.  This enterprising activity usually resulted in community-owned banks, retail businesses, professional services such as attorneys, doctors and dentists and formed thriving communities. 

One of the most historical was the Black-business district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, also called Black Wall Street.  Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma became renowned in 1921 after a racial incident turned to strife and subsequently was destroyed by angry lynch mobs involving White Klansmen.  Other communities across America also enjoyed economic success, including Houston’s Historic Third Ward.  From Griggs & MLK Blvd. to Dowling and Almeda corridors—the local Black community was aligned with prosperous Black businesses, banks, supermarkets even a complete bus service.  This is the inspiration for this and all Black business summits.

“Part of what I envisioned when first launching the Houston Black Book was to re-unify the community as before—only more modern and achieving higher, long lasting prosperity.  Not only was the objective to produce a high quality and updated business directory as a community resource, but also explore and actively exploit valuable opportunities of progress for its constituents and the community at-large.  And with these bi-annual summits we feel we are on our way of fulfilling that vision.  The Houston Black Book is not just a directory, the directory is an experience,” explained Craig L. Amos, founder of Houston Black Book and the “IN THE BLACK” Black Business Empowerment Summits.

This summit will feature: “The Dynamic Diva” Dr. Elon Bomani; Jeffrey L. Boney, CEO, Texas Business Alliance; Crystal Washington Martin, CEO, Black Market Exchange; Delilah Alexander, CEO, Image Essentials, LLC; Pernell Hill, author, Entrepreneurial Theology; and others.  The interviewing host will be internet radio talk-show host, Raven Blair Davis. 

Tickets are $30 per individual, $50 per couple and $100 per vendor. Prices include lunch, provided by award-winning Ral’s Fine Catering. For tickets and/or more information,  call (832)883-1675.