OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Several small business owners in Omaha’s Black community shared their stories on Monday to talk about the challenges they’ve overcome.
Keynote speakers focused on particular subjects including the challenges business owners of color face everyday. These include lack of representation, discrimination, and sometimes racism.
They also talked about how to overcome these obstacles, including connecting with others facing similar issues.
“To be successful and be entrepreneurs we’ve had to fight various biases and systems to be free,” said Tiffany Gamble.
Gamble owns Emerging Ladies Tech Academy, which aims to educate Black women on topics such as computer science, engineering, and how to be an entrepreneur.
“The biggest population of growth and entrepreneurship were black women,” Gamble said. “North Omaha has been instrumental and fostering that growth for black entrepreneurs.”
Gamble’s small business is not alone.
Big Mama’s Kitchen is an Omaha staple providing food and jobs to many in North Omaha. It also funds scholarships to culinary art students at Metro Community College.
The restaurant is all about the community.
“We have been persistent there’s been a lot of changes economically here for the community particularly for small businesses,” said Gladys Harrison, the owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen.
While Monday’s event highlights the work businesses like Gamble and Big Mama’s does in the metro, it also echoes an important message.
“No matter what color you are it is to not give up,” Harrison said. “If that’s what is in your heart and that’s what you want to do pursue what your dream is.”
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