Mankato, Minnesota (KEYC) – August is National Black Business Month and the Greater Mankato area is home to a large number of Black-owned businesses.
“The Mankato region and its diversification underscore the need for businesses to cater to the region’s different demographics as well,” said Mohamed Al-Sadig, Executive Director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council.
According to the 2017 Minneapolisfed.org, Minnesota has 26,506 black-owned businesses, and that number has continued to grow over the past six years.
“The Mankato region has seen an influx of minority-owned businesses over the last few years.
Black-owned businesses like Mirrored Image Salon and Unique Hair and Ink call Mankato home and offer much-needed services.
Richmond Clark, owner of Unique Hair And Ink, said, “We hope to celebrate, learn and recognize different cultures and learn from them why we do things, why we do those things and what is important. .
“So I think it is very important to have such a diverse range of salons in the area. , or are turned down in other areas where they do not have the necessary education or knowledge to be able to serve a wide variety of customers here.
Richmond Clark and Valerie Hines, owners of Unique Hair and Ink, recognize the importance of highlighting Black-owned businesses in their communities every day.
“When it comes to small businesses, whether it’s clothes, hair or music. Everything we create to bring awareness to our community and to develop our community to grow further. This. I think it’s very important,” Hines said.
“And now to be part of not just minority culture in Minnesota and Mankato, but black-owned businessmen. It’s been huge and really great,” Clark added.
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