Lolita Tramel, DNP

Submitted photo

By Lolita Tramel, DNP | Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

As Black Business Month comes to a close, I’m reminded of how the most personal stories can ignite the most transformative ventures. Caring for my mother, Wilma, through the relentless progression of Alzheimer’s pulled me into a world of grief, isolation and insufficient support, and it became the catalyst for everything that followed.

For five years, I stepped into the role of caregiver, watching as the woman who once filled my home with warmth and wisdom slowly slipped away. The pain of losing her presence, and feeling unequipped to support her, became a turning point.

From that heartbreak, my business was born. It wasn’t just a business; it was my way of converting love into possibility, forging a path for others who find themselves in that precarious space that dementia creates.

As a Black woman and daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and Dominica in the West Indies, I have known the sting of systemic inequality.

My journey didn’t include generational wealth or built-in connections. I had to carve my own path, build my business acumen, and harness perseverance as my currency. That same inequality shows up in health outcomes.

Dementia affects African American and Hispanic communities at higher rates, up to twice as often for Black Americans and about 1.5 times more for Hispanic Americans. I believe these disparities, in part, reflect unequal access to care and resources.

Black Business Month means more to me than recognition. It’s a celebration of resilience against the odds. Historically, Black entrepreneurs had to wrestle with discriminatory lending practices, fractured networks and damaging stereotypes. Having a dedicated month validates our resilience and our ability to carve out meaningful success despite these barriers.

Like many Black business owners, I’ve navigated the fine line between survival and making a meaningful difference. My perseverance has been fueled by hard work, an unrelenting commitment to resourcefulness, and a deeply rooted belief that each of us has a unique purpose. For me, that purpose is improving the quality of life for those living with dementia and supporting the caregivers who stand alongside them.

Black-owned businesses are not just economic engines, they knit the social fabric of our communities. We provide jobs, instill cultural pride and serve as beacons of possibility when representation has been scarce.

That’s why, beyond awareness months, intentional support matters. When communities consistently opt for services from Black-owned businesses, they aren’t just making purchases; they’re making statements of solidarity.

Mentorship, networking, and visible representation are the lifelines of lasting entrepreneurship. I would tell aspiring Black entrepreneurs to cling to those lifelines, and to hold tight to the truth that “you, too, can obtain your dreams.”

Looking ahead, I hope to see a business landscape that sustains Black enterprises, where everyday choices reflect conscious support, and communities rally behind us consistently, not just in August, but year-round. The more our communities engage with and elevate Black entrepreneurs, the stronger, more equitable and more vibrant our collective future will be.

Editor’s note: Lolita Tramel, DNP is a doctor of nursing practice and dual-board certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is founder and CEO of Scottsdale-based Hearts For Dementia. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@inusua.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.