With every new Black business created, the African-American community inches closer towards economic equality according to Richalin Rodney, founder of Long Island’s The Black Business Gala.
“The racial wealth gap that people of color have lived through is lessened,” said Rodney. “Jobs are created in the Black community, and visibility and representation for the youth are displayed in a positive light for the community.”
The St. Albans-based entrepreneur and CEO of R. Rodney Consulting does a lot of business on Long Island and has a passion for helping fellow business owners of color, especially after spending 10 years in corporate America in the automotive industry where she felt herself, along with her community, were not receiving fair treatment.
“I was severely underpaid and not treated equally in comparison to counterparts of other races,” said Rodney. “The treatment that minorities received when they went in to buy vehicles, or work with these high line dealers was unsettling to me. My experience in the industry pushed me to not only work for myself, but it made me want to create a service-based business around helping my community to become better.”
In an effort to continue helping entrepreneurs of color, Rodney decided to host a business gala catering towards the African-American community, and she thought Long Island would be the perfect place for it. The purpose of the gala is to highlight, celebrate and show love to Black business owners.
The gala is expected to host around 100-150 people starting off with a cocktail hour. There were also be an open bar, raffles and distinguished speakers. The event will also honor entrepreneurs like Owner of Quintessential Lifestyles Peta-Gaye McCalla, Stasha M. Harris Owner of MagicFingers Studio, Karmisha Superville of EBK Events and more.
This event, which has been nine months in the making, was spearheaded by Rodney along with the assistance of former Event Planner, current Realtor and close Cousin to Rodney, Paulita Rodney and Executive Director of Minority Affairs for the Nassau Chambers of Commerce, Lionel Chitty. This event was also sponsored by The New Hope Mental Health Counseling Services and BLK + GRN.
If you are interested, you can purchase tickets here.
