Evanston Public Library celebrates National Black Business Month with punch card program

August is National Black Business Month, and the Evanston Public Library will be celebrating by encouraging Evanstonians to explore and shop at Black-owned businesses in our community.

National Black Business Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of Black-owned businesses to our economy and communities. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit within the Black business community, and honors the legacy of Black entrepreneurs and their significant impact on innovation, job creation and economic growth. This observance encourages support for Black-owned businesses through patronage, partnerships and advocacy for equity and inclusion in the business world.

From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, patrons will be able to visit the library to pick up a punch card, choose at least five participating local Black-owned businesses to visit, and either make a purchase or talk to staff to learn about their business for a punch. When their punch card is full, they can be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card from one of the featured businesses. Evanston Public Library will be raffling multiple gift cards.

There is no cost to businesses to participate. Black-owned businesses that would like to participate should complete this form by 5 p.m. on July 19. The form will ask business owners to sign into their email accounts to complete. A limited number of businesses will be featured on the punch cards, with links to additional featured businesses listed on the library’s website. 

For more information about the program, contact Tracy Olasimbo at tolasimbo@cityofevanston.org.