Hakim's Bookstore, Philadelphia, Pa., is one of four businesses selected to participate in this year's #ChampionBlackBusinesses initiative. Following CBB's debut in 2020, ESPN, in collaboration with The Undefeated, the NBA and ABC, is returning with the initiative to "elevate Black-owned businesses and their stories and cement the importance their imprint has on their communities across ESPN platforms during Conference Finals and beyond."
Hakim's is a family-owned book and gift store "founded by Dawud Hakim in the late 1950s to educate his community about the heritage, culture and contributions of African Americans." Also selected to participate in CBB were Lomar Farms in Palisades, N.Y.; Ride On! Bike Shop in Los Angeles, Calif.; and the Cookie Society in Dallas, Tex.
Also returning is ESPN's partnership with the ABC program Shark Tank, where the Sharks will review the business portfolios in a one-on-one mentor session and make recommendations. ESPN is working with women- and Black-owned marketing agency JOY Collective for the initiative.
"We are so proud to be able to bring this initiative back and continue to champion the Black community," said Emeka Ofodile, v-p of sports marketing, ESPN. "The NBA Playoffs are not only a time to celebrate athletes fighting for a championship, but a great opportunity to share the stories of Black-owned businesses who are fighting to impact their communities every day."
To create sustainable community impact, The Undefeated's Music for the Movement is providing in-kind and financial support of $40,000. V-p and editor-in-chief Raina Kelley said: "This year's involvement with the #ChampionBlackBusinesses initiative is an opportunity to push awareness to the next level. The collaborative effort between all of us plus fan engagement will make it a success."