Tampa community concerned over amount of Black businesses [Video]

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Black Chamber of Commerce allowed the community to ask questions Tuesday during a meeting. One question that sparked concern was how they’re improving Black businesses in the Tampa Bay area.

It was a part of Tuesday evening’s event called “Let the People Speak!” Dozens of people filled the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center in Ybor City.

Hillsborough County business owners got the chance to ask the Black Chamber of Commerce whatever they wanted.

“What’s the plan to get Black-owned businesses into our communities?” Lavaughnda Frazier questioned. 

It’s a question that also comes as a concern to Frazier who grew up in Tampa. “The ones we recognize growing up, those are now disappearing,” she added about Black owned businesses in Tampa.

The chamber said by having these types of events, they’re connecting people to give them resources outside of city programs like …