Madison’s Black Business Hub: ‘We’ve needed this forever’

The Hub is officially open for business.  On Saturday, community leaders gathered with more than 100 guests for the grand opening of the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Black Business Hub, a four-story building designed to promote retail and other business ventures owned by people of color. The ribbon-cutting coincided with Madison’s 10th annual Unity Picnic, making for a full day of festivities. “We think this is going to be an economic development project that’s going to give to this community for multiple generations to come,” said Ruben Anthony, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “I’m excited about the possibilities. I’m excited that we’re at this moment.” Data from the 2017 American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that of 9,755 employers with more than one employee in Dane County, less than 1% were Black-owned businesses. Working-age non-Hispanic whites in Dane County were seven times more likely to own businesses than their African American counterparts. People are also reading… Ruben Anthony, CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, addresses visitors Saturday during the ribbon-cutting for the Black Business Hub on the South Side of Madison. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL “Zach Brandon from the...