Black-owned businesses have played a crucial role in the economic empowerment and advancement of Black communities throughout history. From the early days of slavery when Black individuals had to create their own businesses within the confines of their limited freedom, to the rise of successful Black entrepreneurs in the post-civil rights era, Black-owned businesses have been instrumental in providing opportunities for economic and social progress.

During the era of segregation and Jim Crow laws, Black businesses were often the only options available to Black consumers, as they were often excluded from white-owned establishments. This led to the growth of thriving Black business districts in cities across the United States, such as Atlanta's Sweet Auburn Avenue and Chicago's Bronzeville.

Some notable Black entrepreneurs throughout history include Madam C.J. Walker, who became the first self-made female millionaire in America through her hair care products for Black women; A.G. Gaston, who built a business empire in Birmingham, Alabama, that included insurance, banking, and real estate; and Robert L. Johnson, who founded Black Entertainment Television (BET) and became the first African American billionaire.

Today, Black-owned businesses continue to make significant contributions to the economy and society, offering products and services that cater to diverse communities and creating opportunities for employment and wealth-building within the Black community. Support for Black-owned businesses is seen as a way to address economic disparities and promote greater equity in the marketplace.