ROCHESTER, NY – August is Black-Owned Business Month, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Black entrepreneurs across the country.
News10NBC TODAY was live from Equal=Grounds, Rochester’s iconic LGBTQ+ cafe on South Avenue. Monique Chatman is the new owner of the business, which was founded in 2006 by Harry Bronson and his husband, John White-Bronson.
Chatman said that entrepreneurship gives her freedom and allows her to help others. She said she would rather work 24 hours a day for herself than eight hours a day for someone else. Chatman wants everyone to feel welcome at Equal=Grounds.
“I want them to have a sense of community. When everyone comes in, everyone calls everyone a friend, even if you don’t know the person behind the counter,” she said.
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Chatman said this month provides time for people to reflect on how Black businesses have contributed to the economy. She would like to see Black businesses collaborate more and offer advice to new business owners.
Anyone can do it because someone has already successfully done what you want to do,” she said.
