“We need to start changing the perception that we’re not a diverse state,” Anthony Poore told business leaders gathered at the Shades of Progress conference on May 22.
Panelists (from left) Joanna Kelly, Rachel Baratoli-Berman, Anena Hansen, and José Abreu speak during the “Blueprint for Business Growth: Empowering Entrepreneurs” panel discussion at the inaugural Shades of Progress conference on May 22. (Photo by Ernesto Baden)
“We need to start changing the perception that we’re not a diverse state,” Anthony Poor told business leaders gathered at the inaugural Shades of Progress Conference on May 22. Poor, president and CEO of the New Hampshire Center for Justice and Equality, delivered a keynote address that highlighted New Hampshire’s changing demographics and the unique challenges facing a burgeoning diversity and diverse population across the state.
The event was hosted by the Business Alliance for People of Color (BAPOC), which was founded in 2021 to support and advocate for small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
New Hampshire Department of Business and Economics Director Taylor Caswell kicked off the event, which was followed by a panel of BIPOC business owners and a Q&A session with over 160 attendees. The conference then split into workshops covering topics such as emerging technology, entrepreneurship, working with financial institutions, and starting your own business.
Many of the discussions would have been familiar fare at any small business conference, including a session on entrepreneurs growing their businesses. Panelist Joanna Kelly, owner of Cup of Joe Coffee Bar in Portsmouth, spoke candidly about burnout, isolation and loneliness among entrepreneurs, but then discussed how racism magnifies those challenges. Cup of Joe was one of more than a dozen Black-owned, LGBTQ+ supportive or Jewish organizations tagged with the swastika in February 2023.
Another panelist, women’s executive coach Annena Hansen, said the discussion was business, but also personal, including experiences of fear and trauma. “Everybody is bringing their whole selves to the table,” she said.
“I have to say, the honesty is great,” said Ali Sekou, the first Black member of Concord’s City Council, who was in the audience.
LaTonya Wallace, one of BAPOC’s founders and new chair, said in her closing remarks, “We celebrate diversity, innovation, and our joint pursuit of progress. We come here from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and perspectives. This union of minds and hearts is a testament to our collective commitment to shaping a better world.”
She reiterated a point Poore made in his keynote speech, elaborating: “The most recent census data shows that New Hampshire’s BIPOC community has grown from 2% to nearly 10%. And this, my friends, is why the work and conversations and moments like today’s need to continue, because the demographics of our state are changing, and the work isn’t going to stop.”
When asked if plans are already underway for next year’s conference, Wallace replied, “We’re still celebrating the success of our first conference so we want to stay in the moment a little longer. But we encourage you to find out more about our work and vision at Business Alliance, join as a member and support us during our pop-up. We’re not just a conference. We’re an organization that makes an impact every day.”
To learn more about BAPOC’s mission and programs, visit bapoc.org.
