Harlem’s Apollo Theatre, New York’s premier stage for African-American excellence, recently hosted an electrifying evening. On October 21, it morphed into a beacon of encouragement, ingenuity, and empowerment during the live recording of Daymond John’s Black Entrepreneur Day. For those familiar with the business world’s giants, Daymond John is more than just a “Shark” from the beloved TV series Shark Tank. His commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurial spirit within the black community is unwavering, with Black Entrepreneur Day standing as a testament to his dedication.
John, the renowned entrepreneur, investor, and TV star is no stranger to the world of business and entrepreneurship. As a fashion pioneer who founded the iconic clothing brand FUBU, Daymond John has made a name for himself as a successful Streetwear fashion entrepreneur, business developer and investor. FUBU rose to popularity as a “Hip Hop Fashion” or Streetwear Brand at the same time as Maurice Malone’s “Maurice Malone Designs”. Tony Shellman’s “Mecca” and “Enyce” helped changed the face of the fashion industry. New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, a surprise guest at the event, presented Daymond with a Proclamation from the city of New York City for his contribution to the Hip Hop history.
Black Entrepreneur Day is the brainchild of Daymond John, designed to provide a platform for black entrepreneurs to share their stories, connect with major investors, and access the resources they need to succeed. One of the most remarkable aspects of Black Entrepreneur Day was John’s emphasis on spotlighting Black talent and the importance of mentorship. Daymond stressed without having mentors throughout his journey his success would not had been possible. He shares Making A Brand’s goals in providing mentoring opportunities to new entrepreneurs and providing opportunities for personal mentorship and lessons from our partners Maurice Malone and Tony Shellman.
The annual event held at the Apollo Theatre was a star-studded affair, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, and influencers. Daymond John’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) extends beyond the boundaries of his annual Black Entrepreneur Day event. With the financial support from JP Morgan Chase from the very beginning and other companies like META, The General, and Shopify have joined as sponsors making this event possible.
John has been an outspoken advocate for major brands to embrace DEI and actively support Black businesses. Recognizing the untapped potential and innovation within the Black entrepreneurial community, John encourages major brands to not just make token gestures but to genuinely commit to partnering with, investing in, and promoting Black-owned businesses. His push serves as a call to action for corporations to be more than just allies in the DEI movement but to become proactive advocates for Black entrepreneurship, ultimately fostering a more equitable and thriving business landscape. Through his efforts, Daymond John is helping to reshape the narrative of economic empowerment and inclusion for Black entrepreneurs on a larger scale.
The exclusive preview of the “Live Streamed” event featured a lineup of inspiring keynote speakers who shared their journeys, insights, and strategies for success. From John himself to luminaries like Anthony Anderson, Cedric The Entertainer, Shaquille O’Neal, Whoppi Goldberg and a host of other Black celebrities at the Apollo Theatre stage was graced by individuals who have not only achieved great success but have also paved the way for countless others. The panel discussions covered a range of topics, from starting a business with limited resources to leveraging technology and innovation to making a brand. These panelist not only provided valuable information but also foster a sense of community among attendees. Networking opportunities abound, enabling like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate, and support one another in their creative entrepreneurial journeys.
Daymond John’s Black Entrepreneur Day at the Apollo Theatre is more than just a one-day celebration. It is a powerful movement that seeks to uplift and empower the Black entrepreneurial community, helping individuals turn their dreams into reality and hold companies accountable to supporting Black entrepreneurs through economic inclusion. This event is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and talent within the Black community, showcasing that the sky is not the limit but merely the beginning for Black entrepreneurs. As Daymond John continues to champion this cause, Black Entrepreneur Day stands as a symbol of hope and opportunity for generations of Black entrepreneurs to come.