Support Black owned San Francisco-based entrepreneurs for a stronger Black community

by Rodney Wrice

San Francisco has long been a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, but for Black business owners, success has often been hard-fought. Despite facing systemic barriers and discrimination, many Black entrepreneurs in San Francisco have overcome these challenges and built successful businesses that contribute to the city’s economy and culture.

Here are just two inspiring examples of Black San Francisco-based business owners who turned their lives around and are now making a difference in the community:

Darius Coleman, owner and C.E.O of Cuztumly Crafted, grew up in poverty and faced several life challenging circumstances from addiction to time spent in jail. Despite these challenges and being the oldest of eight siblings it weighed on him to have to go to school wearing old clothes. 

Coleman, with a heavy heart, knew that the day would come in which he could make a difference not only in the clothes he wore, but in the human lives and state of mind of other people. Darius is quick to offer into any conversation he is having, that while we all are cut from a different fabric, we are all miracles in our own right, and it is our responsibility to stand up and acknowledge our value and true worth. 

Because of this belief Darius founded Cuztumly Crafted, an online clothing store and brand H.U.S.T.L.E that sells urban apparel, from hoodies to hats, T-Shirts, and track suits for all ages of men, women and children.

Darius recently released his first book titled “H.U.S.T.L.E.Ementary: the play book,” which you can check out on Amazon. Darius is a husband, father and grandfather. He’s also a life coach and public speaker. But most of all he’s a man that wants better for everyone because we are all human beings worthy of equality and greatness. 

Elgin Rose is the founder and visionary behind the nonprofit origination Fathers-to-Founders, where Black fathers in the community of San Francisco are given essential skills that will help them to be better fathers and community members making a difference. 

Elgin believes that by teaching them financial literacy, empowering them to go through growth discussion and connecting them with resources like child support services, banking, and other programs we not only nurture parenting reasonability but in the end produce a better stronger community. Fathers-to-Founders brings a unique approach to family devolvement and business, and Rose himself is a product of his own teachings. It is a program I strongly recommend people support and get behind, because it is a model for growth that will be around for years to come. 

Darius and Elgin are just two examples of the many Black entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in San Francisco. However, they, like so many others, face unique challenges that make it difficult for them to succeed. According to a 2021 study by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, only 2.2% of businesses in San Francisco are owned by Black people, despite making up 5.5% of the city’s population.

Supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a moral imperative, it also makes good economic sense. When you support a black-owned business, you are investing in the local economy and helping to create jobs. You are also supporting a business that reflects the diverse needs and interests of the community.

Here are some ways you can support black-owned businesses in San Francisco:

• Shop local: Visit Black-owned businesses in your neighborhood and make a purchase. This could be anything from a meal at a local restaurant to a piece of art from a Black-owned gallery.
• Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about the Black-owned businesses you love. Share their social media posts and leave positive reviews online.
• Attend events: Many black-owned businesses host events, such as pop-up shops and art shows. Attend these events and show your support.
• Advocate for change: Advocate for policies that support Black-owned businesses, such as tax incentives and access to capital.

By supporting Black-owned businesses, we can help build a stronger, more equitable San Francisco. Let’s celebrate the successes of Black entrepreneurs and work together to create a more inclusive and prosperous community. 

I challenge you now that you see the importance of supporting Black owned businesses here in San Francisco that you conduct research on San Francisco-based Black-owned businesses and their founders like the ones I have mentioned and find individuals who have overcome challenges to build successful enterprises, so we can make them visible as well. 

You could consider doing this by looking into local news articles like this one, business directories, or reaching out to organizations that support black entrepreneurs in San Francisco. Together let’s get the word out, now who’s with me? 

Rodney Wrice is a 56 year old former long term offender who served 33 years in prison. He has been out since 2020.Wrice works for the nonprofit organization Urban Alchemy, where he is the director of quality control and the organization’s growth assistant. 

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