"Unspoken" Docuseries Sheds Light On Systemic Racism In Entrepreneurship

Since the Black Lives Matter protests this summer, there has been a growing conversation and awareness of systemic racism not only in the justice system, but also in everyday life. There have been calls on social media and stories in the press regarding support for Black-owned businesses, which make up only 4% of business owners, though Black people make up 13% of the population. 

In the 4-part docuseries, Unspoken: Community and Business Conversations, we get to hear real stories of the ways systemic racism has impacted local Black entrepreneurs, well before protests and calls for awareness this summer. 

The series shares experiences of 10 local business owners including Evelyn Burnett, CEO of Third Space Action Lab, Donte Gibbs, Founder of Donte's Gift Express, and Danielle Sydnor, President of the Cleveland NAACP. 

It was produced by the marketing firm Touch Cleveland who just released the final episode. 

[Touch Cleveland]

The Sound of Ideas talks to the two co-hosts, Chardonnay Graham and Kofi Amponsah, about the series and shedding light on people's real experiences related to systemic racism. Later in the hour, we'll share a fascinating story about the Irish musician Eoin McQuinn, who is dealing with the pandemic while being away from his home and his family. 

Resources

Unspoken: Community and Business Conversations

-Chardonnay Graham, Co-Host, “Unspoken” & Owner & Creative Director, Touch Cleveland

-Kofi Amponsah, Co-Host, “Unspoken” & Marketing Coordinator, Touch Cleveland  

-David C. Barnett, Senior Arts Reporter, ideastream 

-Eoin McQuinn, Musician