By michael vivar
Popular media, including news, portrays communities of color as rife with crime and general unrest. The response is short-sighted "solutions" like increasing police presence.
Studies have shown a way to combat delinquency is providing young people with aspirational role models. To that end, here are the top 10 American Black-owned businesses.
Stephen Hightower has headed the family-owned company since 1982. Through sheer determination, he's grown it into a premier bulk and emergency fuel delivery enterprise.
The publicly-traded publishing and broadcasting company is chaired by Alfred C Liggins III. Its umbrella covers 53 radio stations, a cable network and a digital media outlet.
They provide logistics services to some of America's biggest fast food chains, transporting vital goods throughout the Northeast and Midwest. It was launched by Warren Anderson.
Warren Thompson began as a restauranteur. His company now provides a wide range of services throughout the hospitality industry with annual revenues of $760 million.
The company is a powerhouse in the fast and quick service food industry. Ryan Bridgeman has grown his empire to 139 Wendy's and 27 Golden Corral locations among many more.
Car owners around the world may not have heard of him. It's almost certain that parts machined by Billy Vickers' company will be found in their automobiles.
Serving one state may not seem like much. Consider that Troy Taylor's factories end-to-end manufacture and distribute 600 Coke products to 18 million consumers annually.
Auto giants including GM and Honda wouldn't be able to operate without Ronald Hall Jr's contribution. His facilities assemble and deliver seating for their best-selling cars.
Human capital is a vital part of the service economy. Janice Howroyd's $2.8 billion staffing and management company is one of the largest woman-owned businesses in the world.
They provide IT supply-chain solutions to 45% of Fortune 500 companies. David Seward's AI and cloud computing networks giants including Cisco, AT&T and Boeing.