About
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster economic empowerment and growth in Mississippi by serving as a dynamic resource hub for Black-owned businesses and the customers they serve. Grounded in the principle of Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics, we are dedicated to cultivating and sustaining a network of thriving businesses, stores, and shops that collectively enrich and uplift our community. Through empowered content, innovative solutions, and informed guidance, we strive to encourage the circulation of dollars within our community, strengthening the financial stability and prosperity of the Black entrepreneurs in the state.
Our vision at Mississippi Black Pages (MBP) is to create a vibrant and self-sustaining ecosystem of Black-owned enterprises, united under the principles of Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics. We envision a future where our directory of businesses serves as a comprehensive and reliable platform, empowering entrepreneurs to connect with a broader audience and fostering an engaged and loyal customer base. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence, advocacy, and economic progress, we aim to be the leading catalyst for positive change, spurring growth, and prosperity within the African-American community in Mississippi. Together, we will build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses, forging a path towards collective success and shared prosperity for generations to come.
Our Vision
Our Core Values
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Community
Innovation
Transparency
Interconnectivity
Educational
Excellence
Social Responsibility
How It All Started
Mississippi Black Pages traces its roots back to 2012 when it was founded as Jackson Black Pages by George "Chuck" Patterson, an esteemed alumnus and employee of Tougaloo College. Many of the early Jackson Black Business Expos found their home on the campus of Tougaloo College, highlighting the organization's close ties to the institution. Other venues, such as Jackson State University and the Jackson Convention Complex, also hosted these dynamic expos.
In 2015, Chuck Patterson relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, prompting the transition from Jackson Black Pages to Mississippi Black Pages, along with the transformation of the Jackson Black Business Expo into the Mississippi Black Business Expo. The evolution signified the organization's broader scope and commitment to serving Black-owned businesses across the entire state.
Former steering committee members, including Sabir Abdul-Haqq, Brad and Funmi Franklin, and Tetrina Blalock, played instrumental roles in shaping the vision and direction of Mississippi Black Pages. Their dedication and leadership have been integral to the organization's growth and impact within the Black business community.
Today, Mississippi Black Pages stands as a beacon of empowerment and support for Black entrepreneurs and professionals throughout Mississippi. From its humble beginnings to its present-day prominence, MBP remains steadfast in its mission to promote economic equity, foster entrepreneurship, and celebrate the achievements of Mississippi's vibrant Black business community.
