News Summary
In Shreveport, National Black Business Month kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hollywood Quick Stop, owned by Eric Stephens. Hosted by the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber, the event highlights the significance of Black-owned businesses in the community. Plans for further events throughout August aim to promote local entrepreneurship and recognize outstanding contributions from minority business owners. Upcoming events include the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards, emphasizing the importance of supporting and showcasing Black entrepreneurs’ achievements.
Shreveport, Louisiana – August marks the start of National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the contributions of Black-owned businesses across the country. In Shreveport, a ribbon-cutting event was held to celebrate the launch of Hollywood Quick Stop, a business owned by local entrepreneur Eric Stephens. This event, hosted by the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber, signifies a commitment to fostering business ownership within the community.
During the ceremony, Eric Stephens highlighted the personal significance of owning a business, stating that ownership represents a substantial achievement and showcases a path to success for others. He believes it is essential for young people to see role models in business, reinforcing the notion that they too can achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber is focusing on enhancing awareness and appreciation for Black-owned businesses throughout the month of August. This includes organizing an array of events designed to engage the community. Specific details of these events will be available on the Chamber’s Facebook page soon, encouraging local participation and support.
Looking towards future recognition opportunities, the Greater Shreveport Chamber’s Business Development Connection is scheduled to host the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards in June at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino. This ceremony aims to honor outstanding minority business owners and professionals for their innovative contributions and their positive impact on the community.
Awards Categories Highlight Contributions
The awards will recognize various categories, recognizing the breadth of excellence among Black entrepreneurs and community leaders. Categories include Emerging Business of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year, Top Business Professional, Non-Profit Professional of the Year, and the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award.
One notable award will go to Reginald W. Abrams Sr., who has made significant contributions as the general counsel for the Caddo Parish School Board. His leadership and dedication to education and community development make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious acknowledgment. Additionally, Module X Solutions, a local manufacturing firm recognized for its inclusive hiring practices and active community engagement, is set to receive the Business of the Year Award.
National Black Business Month’s Significance
National Black Business Month serves as an important reminder to celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs while also promoting economic growth within the community. It encourages individuals to support local businesses, understanding how these enterprises contribute to the overall fabric of society and help in reducing the economic disparities faced by minority communities.
In Shreveport, events throughout National Black Business Month aim to uplift community voices and foster connections between business owners, customers, and supporters. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hollywood Quick Stop is just the beginning of a month filled with opportunities for networking and recognition of the contributions made by Black-owned businesses.
The overarching goal of these initiatives is to inspire future generations, showing them the importance of entrepreneurship and what it means to have ownership in a community that cherishes diversity and innovation. By celebrating businesses like Hollywood Quick Stop, the Shreveport community demonstrates its commitment to supporting local initiatives and promoting an inclusive economic environment.
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Hollywood Quick Stop Ribbon Cutting
- Wikipedia: Black-owned business
- Black Enterprise: 50 Cent Shreveport City Council Meeting
- Google Search: Shreveport Black Business Month
- KTBS: Greater Shreveport Chamber to Honor Minority Leaders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
