Submission by Hardy Pelt, of Urban Edge Network, courtesy of HBCU Pulse
As a proud Black-owned media company, we at Urban Edge Network have always strived to empower our community by providing a voice and platform for underrepresented voices. When Microsoft announced its commitment of $50 million through its Black Partner Growth Initiative, we were hopeful that this partnership would mark a significant step forward for Black-owned businesses. However, our experience, along with that of many others, reveals a disheartening reality of unfulfilled promises and a lack of accountability from corporations claiming to support our community.
Microsoft’s Black Partner Growth Initiative, touted as a game-changing endeavor, was meant to uplift Black-owned businesses through financial support and resources. Yet, despite the promises made by the tech giant, there is a striking absence of any concrete evidence that this $50 million commitment has reached its intended recipients. Our company, along with countless others, has waited for transparency and proof, only to be met with silence.
Commitments to Black-owned media companies and businesses should not be merely symbolic gestures. It is essential for corporations to demonstrate their commitment by being accountable for the promises they make. Without transparency and oversight, these commitments can appear performative, undermining the progress that genuine support and investment in Black-owned businesses can bring.
