Empowering Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs in Maine [Video]

Black Business Month is a time to support Black-owned businesses across the nation.

MAINE, USA — August is Black Business Month. It’s a time to highlight the contributions of Black-owned businesses across the nation.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black Mainers make up just more than 1.5 percent of the state’s total population and own more than 600 businesses.

Black-owned businesses across Maine say it’s their passion and support from their communities that motivate them.

What started as simple a passion in his home country turned into Strait Jamaican Cuisine for Clayton Whyte, a catering and take-out business that serves authentic Jamaican food.

“I used to do fried chicken on the streets in Jamaica just to make ends meet,” Whyte said.

Now Whyte, along with his co-owner Jamie Pomerleau, are sharing these dishes with the Waterville community and beyond.

“Accepting us [and] our cuisine means the world to me,” Whyte said.

It’s a similar …