NAACP to Host Monthly Social Hours at Black and Minority-Owned Businesses

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Friday, January 29th
Media Contact: Rachael DeCruz, communications@seattlekingcountynaacp.org, 508-451-9455

NAACP to Host Monthly Social Hours at Black and Minority-Owned Businesses
Promote the Economic Development of the Local Community

Seattle, WA--
In 2016, the Seattle King County NAACP will launch monthly Social Hours to support local small businesses and bring together the community. The monthly gatherings will be held at different restaurants owned by people of color throughout Seattle and will be free to attend. 

After the recession, all other businesses have shown recovery and growth, but black-owned businesses have remained stagnant at best. According to census data, black-owned firms only make up 3.3% of the total number of firms in King County.

"Our hope is that these events create an opportunity for us to celebrate and support local black and minority-owned businesses," said Dr. Sheley Secrest, Second Vice President and Economic Development Chair of the Seattle King County NAACP. "As gentrification continues to plague our city, this is a small but important step we can take to make sure that we're putting our money where our mouth is--bringing important business and customers to restaurants owned by people of color."

The Social Hours will also be an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Seattle King County NAACP and to build relationships. As the program continues to grow, the hope is that each gathering will provide a significant economic boost to the featured restaurant. The first event will be held this Sunday, January 31st from 2:00pm-4:00pm at Taste of the Caribbean (1212 E. Jefferson St, Seattle, WA. 98122).

Members of the Seattle King County NAACP will have the opportunity to share ideas about potential restaurants to feature in the future. To receive updates about upcoming Social Hours, join the NAACP's Meetup group.

                                                                                                       ###
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. More information about the Seattle King County NAACP can be found here: www.seattlekingcountynaacp.org