ESPN’s The Undefeated, ABC’s “Shark Tank” And The NBA Team To Champion Black Businesses Again
Champion Black Businesses spotlights Black-owned businesses – LoMar Farms, Ride On! Bike Shop, Hakim's Bookstore and The Cookie Society – to tell their stories across ESPN platforms
In the video above, The Undefeated’s Raina Kelley surprises each business with $10,000 to help drive continued success.
Following a successful debut in 2020, the NBA on ESPN brand marketing team, in collaboration with The Undefeated, the NBA, and ABC, brings back the Champion Black Businesses initiative.
Champion Black Businesses will spotlight Black-owned businesses – LoMar Farms, Ride On! Bike Shop, Hakim’s Bookstore, and The Cookie Society – to tell their stories across ESPN platforms and cement the importance their imprint has on their communities.
Returning also is NBA on ESPN’s partnership with ABC’s Shark Tank where the Sharks, who are titans of business in their own right, have offered selected Black-owned businesses invaluable advice to help propel them to success yet again.
“We are so proud to be able to bring this initiative back and continue to champion the Black community,” said Vice President of Sports Marketing, ESPN, Emeka Ofodile. “The NBA Playoffs are not only a time to celebrate athletes fighting for a championship, but a great opportunity to share the stories of Black-owned businesses who are fighting to impact their communities every day.”
New this year and to create sustainable community impact for these businesses, The Undefeated’s Music for the Movement committed to deepening support and resources for these businesses by providing $10,000 to each of the businesses selected to be part of the program.
Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated, Raina Kelley, surprised each of the businesses last week and let them know about the grants.
The NBA on ESPN is excited to continue the sustainability of this program for seasons to come as this initiative grows across The Walt Disney Company.
Ruba Sbeah contributed to this post.
For more information on Champion Black Businesses, please visit theundefeated.com/championblackbusinesses
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