As the nation enters the final month of summer, two cultural observances—National Black Business Month and National Civility Month—have officially begun, inviting Americans to reflect on economic empowerment and the role of respectful dialogue in a deeply interconnected society.
National Black Business Month, established to recognize the contributions and growth of Black entrepreneurs, continues to gain momentum. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Black-owned businesses has surged by nearly 30 percent, according to recent economic reports. Among the most significant trends is the rise in Black women-led startups, with this demographic now outpacing all other groups in new business formation. This increase is fueled by a combination of digital accessibility, funding initiatives, and a stronger emphasis on supporting minority-owned enterprises.
Throughout August, cities and communities across the U.S. are rolling out special programming to honor Black entrepreneurship. From local governments to corporate sponsors, a variety of events are being held to support and spotlight Black-owned businesses. These include small business expos, panel discussions on access to capital, digital directories that highlight local vendors, and special campaigns to encourage patronage of Black-owned restaurants, retailers, and service providers.
Meanwhile, National Civility Month also kicked off today, aiming to foster a culture of respect, kindness, and constructive communication in everyday life. The observance comes at a time when Americans are increasingly grappling with the consequences of deep political polarization, social media hostility, and eroding public discourse. Advocates for civility stress that small, daily choices—such as listening respectfully, avoiding hostile language, and embracing dialogue over division—can cumulatively strengthen the national fabric.
Civility campaigns are being embraced not just by individuals but also by institutions. Schools are incorporating kindness-based curricula, workplaces are offering workshops on respectful communication, and community groups are launching public service announcements to reinforce the message. Some companies are also using the month as an opportunity to revisit their corporate values, offering internal programming focused on psychological safety and inclusive dialogue.
The convergence of these two month-long initiatives highlights a broader societal movement toward intentional community-building and shared prosperity. While Black Business Month brings visibility to the resilience and innovation of Black entrepreneurs—often operating against structural barriers—Civility Month calls for renewed commitment to the democratic values of mutual respect and cooperation.
These observances offer more than ceremonial value. They invite practical engagement: shopping locally, participating in mentorship opportunities, joining civic forums, or simply holding space for conversations that bridge cultural and ideological divides. Public libraries, for instance, are hosting joint exhibitions on Black business history and civil discourse, while some cities are piloting grant programs that combine entrepreneurship support with civic engagement initiatives.
Cultural experts see this as part of a growing trend in which social observances are moving from symbolic dates to action-oriented platforms. August now serves not just as a time to celebrate but as a launching point for more inclusive economic development and healthier public dialogue. As the month unfolds, the hope among organizers and participants is that these values—entrepreneurial empowerment and everyday civility—will carry forward beyond the summer and into lasting cultural practice.