Black Ownership Matters Reflects on Five Years of Growth

Editor's note: The following article was submitted by Black Ownership Matters' (BOM) Executive Assistant Sally Neal as a way to reflect on the growth of the organization over the last five years while recognizing Juneteenth, an American holiday that marks the ending of slavery in the U.S.

During a recent BOM Zoom meeting, board members reflected on five years of service and what that means to the organization. It was their monthly meeting and the topic of the day included discussing Juneteenth, and volunteer plans for the organization's fifth anniversary.

Board members couldn’t help but reflect on how the organization started not so long ago, BOM Executive Assistant Sally Neal said. BOM was founded one Juneteenth night five years ago. Impacted by the Black Lives Matters' marches that were sweeping the nation in 2020, Jim Steed wanted to help make a difference in the best way he knew how.

He sprang into action to call the original board members of BOM—Wayne Golden, Dr. Zia Siddiqi, Sterling Barbour, Hamilton Allen, Jason Payne, Ashley Clark, Faye Golden, and Dr. Sonja Thomas—to share their combined expertise in pest control and business.

Together they came up with the three essential pillars of BOM: mentorship, promotion and outreach, with a mission to promote Black ownership of pest control companies by providing financial guidance, business resources, employee development, mentorship, and community support.

Headed by the current president, Joe Campbell, the reach has been immediate, from offering monthly business advice to small business owners on zoom, mentorship programs and an emphasis on fostering a sense of community between organization members. BOM has frequent get togethers at major events like PestWorld and Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.

Most recently, BOM sponsored a newly created Wayne C. Golden Leadership and Action scholarship, in partnership with the National Pest Management Association. Golden said, “The reason I got into BOM after retirement was not to build my legacy, but to share my knowledge. Even if business practices have changed, running a good business model has not."

The aim for supporting small businesses and mentoring those in need is important for BOM. The impact has been felt big and small with members from across the world expressing their gratitude as their businesses improve.

Expansion is one of BOM’s current goals. They are always open to adding new members and are always searching for dedicated mentors who are passionate about continuing the spirit of BOM (as well as to foster) meaningful relationships in the industry.

According to the U.S. Census, only 2.8 percent of African Americans own their own business in the United States. This is an income inequality gap BOM is looking to close, because they believe that true success will extend beyond ownership alone, Neal said.

Pondering Juneteenth

Overall, Juneteenth is a day of celebration, and that's what BOM wants to keep in mind, she said. An idea that was born out of a late-night phone call has blossomed into an organization that has given a voice to those who might feel they don’t have one.

“Spreading our impact, that’s what is most important,” said Campbell. “A day of mentorship and volunteering is how BOM will commemorate their anniversary. We will only go up from here and we can’t stop now because this only the beginning."