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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Steve Buddington, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Sociology/Social Work, Dillard University
Division of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work
C. J. Wiltz, Ph.D.
Barron Hilton Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Dillard University
New Orleans, LA 70122
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Abstract
This study presented an overview of the difficulty of Black-owned businesses (BOB) trying to
survive after a devastating tragedy. In addition, this study explored the social, socio-structural,
behavioral and physical challenges that Black-Owned businesses experienced as they considered
reopening their establishments in post-Katrina areas. Participants consisted of 74 Orleans Parish
residents, who resided in the parish for at least one year prior to the advent of Hurricane Katrina.
Respondents completed a self-administered instrument that captured data from all academic
disciplines, students, community businesses, and from residents. Descriptive and
Crosstabulation/Chi-square statistical analyses were used to organize and to explore the
relationship, not causality, between and among variables, respectively. Summative, the findings
of this study showed that Black-owned businesses were being patronized or supported by
residents of the devastated parishes; however, residents expressed concerns regarding their lack
of professionalism and unreliability.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Introduction
It took approximate five (5) hours for Hurricane Katrina to destroy the most of Orleans
Parish and approximately 150 miles of Gulf Coast. The hurricane in the process of submerging
eighty percent of New Orleans also destroyed more than half million homes and businesses.
Tulane University Historian Douglas Brinkley (2006) surmised that Hurricane Katrina created
the largest domestic and refugee crisis since the Civil War.
Unfortunately, this crisis greatly affected Orleans Parish, which was comprised of
approximately 460, 000 residents prior to Hurricane Katrina and was approximately sixty-
percent (60%) Blacks or African Americans. Destroyed by this “great deluge” or unprecedented
domestic disaster were millions of “mom and pop”, small, medium, and large Black-Owned
businesses, serving the various vibrant and economically, socially, and vocationally diverse
communities of New Orleans.
Subsequent to the shock, trauma, and despair, the time for rebuilding was imminent. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had devised a compensatory system to assist
in the recovery and rebuilding process. This mammoth recovery and rebuilding task does not
have a domestic model to duplicate or emulate. Other cities may have experience disasters but
not of this typology or complexity. First, because the initial response to the recovery and
rebuilding, was not to rebuilt the flooded areas (create a smaller city), primarily the residents and
business of African American or Blacks, because of propensity to flood, whereas other cities did
not waiver from rebuilding. Second, the idea of smaller more viable city seems logical; however,
the socio-political and racial implications were not readily accepted by residents of Orleans
Parish.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Subsequently to numerous debates, forums, meetings, organizational and community
activism no decision was made on whether or how to rebuild Orleans Parish. This indecision
motivated Orleans Parish residents to commence rebuilding their homes and businesses, without
the benefit of an economic viability and sustainability impact studies. These studies explored
some aspects of the sustainability of Black-owned businesses in the economically difficult post-
Katrina era. Unfortunately, findings from these studies were too late to inform and guide Orleans
Parish residents who were anxious to restore normalcy to their lives.
History: Sustainability of Black-owned Businesses: Post Disasters
Sustainability of any businesses in post-disaster event requires massive reconstruction;
however, reconstruction is not only the reversal of deconstruction. Sustainability efforts require
focused, localized, regional and frequently national and international coalition efforts to
revitalization the destroyed regional infrastructure (Awotona, 1997). The primary effort is the
level and intensity of the response to the disaster from local, regional and federal agencies, such
as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Association
(SBA).
In the Congressional Testimony of the SBA’s Disaster Relief Program (2007), Harry C.
Alford, President and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc., stated that this
nation must be an the alert for the next Katrina or any other disasters. He elaborated on the need
for adequate resources, such as staff, systems and funding. In so doing the SBA and FEMA
should not only develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive disaster plan, they should
demonstrate the operational viability of this plan via frequent simulation. Further, it is evident
that greater coordination of efforts between FEMA and SBA is essential to a successful response
to disasters. These agencies should be in a position to provide rapid and effective psychological,
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
social, and economic relief that will enhance the sustainability and the rebuilding of post-disaster
economies. The American economy has had many opportunities to learn to develop a “master
plan” or a “workable template” about post-disaster rebuilding and sustainability of businesses,
Black-owned and otherwise. The tragedy of Katrina and the tepid response by all levels of our
government suggest that we have learned very little from the disasters of our past.
Given the inept racial, social and economic federal government response to Katrina
(Bullard, 2005), the lessons of the post-Watts and post-Detroit Riots with regards to the
rebuilding of the Black-owned business were obviously not affirmed and documented for future
implementation, based on the inept racial, social, and economic federal government response to
Katrina (Bullard, 2005). Subsequent to both riots a massive rebuilding efforts for the Black-
owned businesses were planned, however, Black-owned businesses were concerned that they
would miss out on much of the work of rebuilding their own neighborhoods to larger better
financed, non-minority contractors (Crump, 1966). . These concerns were identical to those that
were mentioned in Orleans Parish by the Black-owned businesses, Black contractors and
minority-owned businesses post-Katrina. Are concerns a result of the legacy of inequitable and
unequal treatment (Bullard and Wright, 2005) or is it because of the colossal nature of the
disaster?
This notion of “legacy of inequitable and unequal treatment” can be examined in the
context of the rebuilding and the sustainability of Black-owned businesses in the aftermath of the
terrorist attack (“September 11 Attacks”) in New York City. Generally, emergency response
reflects the pre-existing economical, racial, social and political stratifications of communities,
with government being less responsive to minority- populated communities than to white-
populated communities.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Anecdotal evidence suggests that beyond the horrifying days of Katrina victims were
literally abandoned in the Louisiana Superdome by the U.S. government, little sympathy lingered
for Katrina victims. Unlike, those of the 911 attacks, victims of Katrina were widely soon
blamed for their victimization. From being blamed for not fleeing the city in the wake of Katrina
by the public at large to enduring the reticence of the Louisiana government in assisting many of
them in their recovery efforts, many Katrina victims were held in disrepute. Qualifying for
government relief by most of the victims required fingerprinting and posting for a special
photograph. The certification process was finalized if the victims’ application survived two very
stringent criteria. Meeting one but failing on then other meant that the victim would receive little
or no assistance from the government. This was not the case for the victims of the 911 attacks.
The coordination between FEMA and SBA facilitated the rapid economic and social
rebuilding, revitalization and sustainability of businesses that were impacted by the “September
11 Attacks”. The monetary support in the form of affordable loans for businesses, bailout
packages, tax rebates help jump-start the new economy and specifically the impacted Manhattan
economy. Larger industries, however, were funded, prior to smaller business and Black-owned;
nonetheless the awarding recover packages to business were made simplistic by FEMA and SBA
to facilitate the expeditious recovery of the devastated area (Spruell, 2001). The significance of
this is that it explores some of the similar issues concerning rebuilding, revitalization, and
sustainability of the above devastated communities but within the intervening concept of a racial
divide: the impact on Black-owned businesses.
Significance of the Study
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Racial disparities exist in all phases of a disaster recovery plan and procedures, such as
cleanup, rebuilding, reconstruction, and recovery. Race impacts the survivors’ ability to rebuild,
replace infrastructure, and to most importantly to obtain loans to rebuild homes and businesses,
(Bullard & Wright, 2009), therefore leaving them in financial crisis and reducing their chances of
survival and sustainability.
The Black-owned business community, particularly in Orleans Parish, is in a crisis
situation. The viability and patronage of Black-owned businesses are under scrutiny. Even
before Hurricane Katrina several of the businesses had experienced challenges, and the
consequences of Hurricane Katrina have exacerbated these problems. Now that the rebuilding
efforts are well under way, many Black-owned businesses are struggling financially to restore
their facilities.
Blacks are generally perceived to be unsupportive of Black-owned businesses because of
the notions of “overpricing or inadequate service quality” of Black-owned businesses. Should the
perceptions be real, many of these businesses will increasingly struggle in their efforts to rebuild
and subsequently to sustain their businesses. This struggle could be aborted if a portion of $500
billion Blacks spent annually on non-essential business expenses (Mithun, 2007), was spent on
creating an economic reserve to offset disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. If Black consumers in
Orleans Parish channeled a portion of their earnings into these businesses, the action would be
translated into much better communities, qualitatively and quantitatively, and create sustainable
Black-owned businesses.
Black-owned businesses, for example, are not only having trouble reopening, but also, as
they reopen, they face the daunting task of sustaining their businesses. Prior to Hurricane
Katrina, sixty percent (60%) of the City of New Orleans’ businesses were owned by Blacks;
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
however, many of these Black-owned businesses have not been able to reopen because of
monetary challenges. Based on phone disconnection rates, nearly one in four Black-owned
businesses in New Orleans had closed in 2008, a rate 52% higher than White-owned businesses
(Liberto, 2009). Should they continue to try and reopen and if so will patronage within the Black
community sustain these businesses?
Many of the Black contractors question the reasons given for their slow recovery..
Homes of Black business owners were flooded, they were displaced, and they are only now
regaining entry into the business world. Furthermore, as rebuilding occurs, many of the Black
contractors are being ignored. Instead, the contracts are being awarded to small, medium, and
large companies controlled by Caucasians. These companies are employing subcontractors and
other laborers from the Hispanic community because of their purported positive work ethic,
diligence, and reliability.
Apparently, there is a bias against the Black-owned contractors. Such disdain for hiring
Black-owned businesses and/or contractors emerges from insidiously negative stereotypes
regarding the Blacks’ work ethic, of being not punctual and diligent. The consequences are dire
for the economic recovery of Black-owned businesses and the potential for sustaining their
economic development.
Black-owned businesses are cognizant of the “harsh reality” that they are often judged
differently not only by their Caucasian consumers, but also by African-American consumers –
the so-called “crabs in a bucket” mentality. This mentality implies that Blacks do not want their
peers to supersede their success. This conception maybe one of many reasons Blacks are not
supported by their communities. Implicitly, in the case of the rebuilding of New Orleans, instead
of applauding and patronizing Black-owned businesses, these businesses are ridiculed and often
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
shunned by Blacks. Structural racism cannot be ignored as an influence on the many perceptions,
theories, conceptions, practices, beliefs, and stereotypes, and it too must be studied. Without
research, the factors that impact patronage of Black-owned businesses cannot be known (Jenkins
& Eckert, 2007).
Purpose of the Study
The purposes of this study are: (1) to identify why the Black community does not
patronize Black-owned businesses; (2) to examine stereotypical (negative or positive) notions
prevalent in the Black community that prejudices it from making clear and informed decisions
pertaining to the support of Black- owned businesses; (3) to discuss ways to enhance African
American support for Black-owned businesses; (4) to determine whether a particular Black-
owned business is supported; and (5) to make recommendations based on our data, that would
help Blacks to sustain and rebuild their businesses in the post-Katrina phase rebuilding era.
Methodology
This study explores the notion of Black Patronage that is, sustaining and rebuilding Black
business post-Katrina in New Orleans. The population of New Orleans has been drastically
reduced since Hurricane Katrina lashed the area. However, a large proportion of the population
continues to live in New Orleans in their attempts to rebuild the businesses or their homes.
Sample and procedure
The study is comprised of individuals who have been residing in New Orleans for at least
one year prior to the advent of Hurricane Katrina and who are at this time, still living in New
Orleans. Newly-arrived residents of New Orleans were thought not to have been exposed long
enough to the “business culture” of the parish. The selected criteria were used for control and
homogeneity. We acknowledge, however, that this study cannot be generalized to all the
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
residents of New Orleans. It is thought that residents who have lived at least for one year will be
better able to answer questions regarding Black Businesses because of their knowledge of the
complex nature of these businesses in the city of New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina.
Seventy-four (74) respondents completed the self-administered questionnaire.
Instrument
The self-administered questionnaire was developed with broad-based participation from
faculties and students across all disciples, community businesses, and consumers of varying
ethnicities. The instrument consisted of socio-demographic variables, close-ended questions on
5-point and 7-point Likert scales (with 7 and 5 being the level of response and 1 being the lowest
level of response), and a qualitative open-ended question.
Data analysis
Descriptive statistics were used to organized and describe the data. Crosstabulation/ Chi-
square statistical techniques were used to analyze the relationships between and among the
variables. It is important to delineate, that Descriptive and Crosstabulation/Chi-square analytical
approaches do not explore “cause and effect” relational between or among variables.
Definition of Terms
Sustaining is the ability to maintain a business judged by monetary inflow, number of
customers, amount of products sold, amount of services rendered, satisfied clients, number of
employees, and quality of employees.
Rebuilding is the process of physically rebuilding a business.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Table 1: Demographic Descriptors of Sample (N = 74)
Demographic Descriptors Number Valid%
Gender:
Male 28 37.8
Female 46 62.2
Ethnicity:
White 16 21.6
Black 52 70.3
Hispanic 4 5.4
Asian 2 2.7
Parish of Residence
: Prior to Katrina:
Orleans 45 60.8
Jefferson 14 31.1
St. Tammany 5 6.8
St. Charles 1 1.4
Other 9 12.2
Parish of Residence
: Post/After Katrina:
Orleans 29 39.2
Jefferson 23 31.1
St. Tammany 5 6.8
St. Charles 1 1.4
Other 16 21.6
Total Household Income:
$10,000 - $20,000 8 10.8
$20.001 - $30,000 16 21.6
$30,001 - $40,000 17 23.0
$40.001 - $50,000 12 16.2
$50,001 - $60,000 12 16.2
$60.001 - $70,000 3 4.1
> $70,000 6 8.1
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Findings and Discussions
Table 1 above presents descriptors of the sample which characterize the participants of
the study. Demographic data of the 74 respondents comprised of 28 (38%) males and 46 (62%)
females. Fifty-two (70%) of the respondents reported their ethnicity as Black, 16 (22%) reported
their ethnicity as White, 4 (5%) reported being Hispanic, and 2 (3%) reported being Asian. The
majority (45 or 61%) of respondents lived in Orleans Parish prior to Hurricane Katrina with 14
(31%) reported living in neighboring Jefferson Parish. Subsequent to Hurricane Katrina, the
percentage of respondents who reported living in Orleans Parish was reduced to 29 (39%) and
increased in Jefferson Parish to 23 (31%). Most (57 or 77%) of the respondents reported having a
household income ranging from $20,000 to $60,000.
As indicated in Table 2 below, 21 (28%) reported being “extremely familiar” with Black-
owned businesses, whereas 39 (53%) reported being “very familiar” or somewhat familiar”; and
2 (3%) reported “not being familiar”. Forty-four (60%) reported that they were familiar with the
businesses because they thought that “supporting Black-owned businesses is important” and that
they “frequently thought of supporting Black-owned businesses.” Seven (10%) of the
respondents reported that “supporting Black-owned businesses is not important”. When asked
about their perspective on Black-owned businesses, 29 (39%) reported that “Black-owned
businesses are just like any other businesses;” 11 (15%) reported that “Black-owned businesses
are good, but should not be the focus”; however, 15 (20%) reported that “Black-owned
businesses are invaluable to economic growth.” Additionally, 7 (10%) of the respondents
reported that “Black-owned businesses are not professionally managed” and 12 (16%) stated that
they had “no opinion” about the “perspective” on Black-owned businesses.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Approximately 31 (42%) of the respondents thought that Black-owned businesses were
“extremely valuable”, whereas 42 (57%) thought that they were “somewhat valuable” or “very
valuable.” Noticeably, only 1% reported that these businesses were “not so valuable.” The
financial support of Black-owned businesses is thought to be crucial to their survival. Twenty-
three (31%) of the respondents reported being “extremely supportive” of Black-owned
businesses, whereas 49 (66%) of the respondents reported being “very supportive” or being
“somewhat supportive”; only 2 (3%) reported being “not so supportive”. Respondents’ level of
satisfaction with Black-owned businesses was explored. Only eighteen (24%) of those surveyed
Table 2: Qualitative Descriptors of Sample (N = 74)
Qualitative Descriptors Number Valid%
Familiarity with Black-Owned
Business (BOB):
Extremely Familiar 21 28.4
Very Familiar 14 18.9
Somewhat Familiar 25 33.8
Familiar 12 16.2
Not Familiar 2 2.7
Perspectives on BOB:
BOB are invaluable to
economic growth 15 20.3
BOB are good, but should
not be the focus 11 14.9
BOB are just like any
other businesses 29 39.2
BOB are not professionally
managed 7 9.5
No opinion 12 16.2
Value of BOB:
Extremely Valuable 31 41.9
Very Valuable 21 28.4
Somewhat Valuable 21 28.4
Not So Valuable 1 1.4
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Support of BOB:
Extremely Supportive 23 31.1
Very Supportive 25 33.8
Somewhat Supportive 24 32.4
Not So Supportive 2 2.7
Satisfaction with BOB:
Extremely Satisfied 18 24.3
Very Satisfied 0 0.0
Somewhat Satisfied 51 68.9
Not Satisfied 3 4.1
No Dealings 2 2.7
reported being “extremely satisfied’ with the services. Fifty-one (70%) reported being
“somewhat satisfied,”, whereas a small number (5 or 6%) reported being “not satisfied” or
having “no dealings” with Black-owned businesses.
Table 3: Concerns (Absolute Responses) Descriptors of Sample (N = 74)
Concerns: Absolute Responses: (Yes/No) Number Valid%
Poor quality of services: Black-Owned
Business (BOB):
Yes 18 24.3
No 56 75.7
Overpricing of goods and services: BOB
Yes 26 35.1
No 48 64.9
Lack of Professionalism: BOB
Yes 44 59.5
No 30 40.5
Unreliability: BOB:
Yes 42 56.8
No 32 43.2
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
Lack of Diligence or apathetic
Work ethic: BOB:
Yes 17 23.0
No 57 77.0
Other: BOB:
Yes 20 27.0
No 54 73.0
______________________________________________________________
Finally, respondents were asked to delineate their major concerns regarding Black-owned
businesses. Approximately 44 (59%) of respondents indicated “lack of professionalism” and
“unreliability. On the other hand 18 (24%) reported “poor quality of service”; 26 (35%) reported
“overpricing of goods and services”; 17 (23%) reported “lack of diligence or apathetic work
ethic”; and 20 (27%) of the respondents indicated “other” as a major concern.
Table 4: Descriptors: Age, Pre-, Post- Spending of BOB, Years of Education
Statistics
74 74 74 74
0 0 0 0
34.49 $127.64 $114.50 16.45
31.00 $50.00 $42.50 16.00
22 $0 $0 16
46 $800 $1,500 21
Valid
Missing
N
Mean
Median
Mode
Range
Age of
Respondents
Pre-Katrina
Spending in
Black-owned
Business
Post-Katrina
Spending in
Black-owned
Business
Number of
Year of
Education
As indicated in Table 4, the respondents reported a mean age of 35 years and the average
respondents reported completing their baccalaureate degree or 16 years of education. The
average pre- and post-Katrina spending per week with Black-owned businesses were $128.00
and $115.00, respectively.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
The study revealed that “parish of residence prior to Katrina and “valuation of Black-
owned businesses” were related (Chi-square (12, N = 74) = 24.26, p = .01), Gamma = .454, that
is, resident of each parish (i.e., Orleans, Jefferson, etc,) valued the Black-owned businesses in
their respective parish, prior to the advent of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, the study revealed
that “support for Black-owned businesses” and “parish or residence prior and after Katrina” were
related, (Chi-square (12, N = 74) = 18.65, p = .05), Gamma = 0.35 and (Chi-square (12, N = 74)
= 21.40, p = .05), Gamma = 0.27, respectively. It is therefore evident that residents in each parish
supported and continue to support the Black-owned businesses in their respective parish, (prior
to, and subsequent to Katrina).
Respondents’ “perspective on Black-owned businesses” and “familiarity with Black-
owned businesses” were significantly related, (Chi-square (16, N = 74) = 24.69, p = .05),
Gamma = 0.35. The implication is that those residents who perceived these businesses as
“invaluable to the economic growth” of the devastated parishes were “familiar” with Black-
owned businesses. Similarly, those residents who perceived these businesses as “invaluable to
the economic growth” of the region were “extremely and somewhat satisfied” with the services
rendered by these businesses (Chi-square (12, N = 74) = 23.50, p = .02).
Respondents’ “perspective on Black-owned businesses” and “support for Black-owned
businesses” were not significantly related, although approximately 47% were “extremely
supportive,” 40% were “very supportive,” and 13% were “somewhat supportive” of the notion
that “Black-owned businesses are invaluable to economic growth.” Similarly, respondents’
“perspective on Black-owned businesses” and “valuation of Black-owned businesses” were not
significantly related, although approximately 68% reported these businesses being “extremely
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
valuable,” 28% reported them as being “very valuable, and 7% reported them being “somewhat
valuable” to the economic growth of the devastated parishes.
Furthermore, the study revealed that “familiarity with Black-owned businesses” was
found to be significantly related to the “valuation of Black-owned businesses” (Chi-square (12,
N = 74) = 21.21, p = .05), Gamma = 0.50, “support of Black-owned businesses” (Chi-square (12,
N = 74) = 24.69, p = .05), Gamma = 0.40., and the “level of satisfaction with Black-owned
businesses” (Chi-square (12, N = 74) = 23.14, p = .03), Gamma = 0.48. It is therefore evident
that residents or respondents’ “familiarity” with Black-owned businesses is the catalyst for
increased valuation, increased support, and increased level of satisfaction for such businesses.
The financial viability of Black-owned businesses in the post-Katrina era required
community members to be supportive to these businesses. The findings revealed that the
“valuation of Black-owned businesses” and the “support for Black-owned businesses” were
significantly related (Chi-square (9, N = 74) = 85.52, p = .00), and also were strongly related
(Gamma = 0.80). In addition, “valuation of Black-owned businesses” and “satisfaction with
services offered by Black-owned businesses” were significantly related (Chi-square (9, N = 74)
= 49.46, p = .00), with moderate strength (Gamma = 0.70). Most importantly (see Table 5), the
study revealed that “lack of professionalism” and “unreliability” were significantly related (Chi-
square (1, N = 74) = 5.78, p = .02), Lambda = 0.16.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
(Chi-square (1, N = 74) = 5.78, p = .02), Lambda = 0.16
Consequently, the study revealed that respondents “valued Black-owned businesses” and
therefore “strongly supported” these businesses. Furthermore, residents’ positive “valuation of
Black-owned businesses” enhances their levels of satisfaction with the services offered by these
businesses.
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that the majority of respondents were familiarity with
Black-owned businesses (BOB). Black-owned businesses were also perceived as being valuable
and therefore should be supported. However, Black-owned businesses should be perceived like
any other businesses and therefore should not be given economic preference. Nonetheless, BOB
are seen as essential to the economic growth of the economy. Black-owned businesses were
supported across all parishes, but particularly more so by Black males. The two concerns that
may definitely impact the financial viability or sustainability of Black-owned businesses were
the perceived lack of professionalism and unreliability in service provision. When service is
provided, however, it is not perceived as inadequate or substandard.
A minority of respondents expressed concerns for overpricing for goods and services and
lack of diligence, apathetic or work ethic among Black-owned businesses. These factors were
Table 5: Crosstabulation: Concern: - Lack of professionalism * Unreliability
30 14 44
71.4% 43.8% 59.5%
12 18 30
28.6% 56.3% 40.5%
42 32 74
100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Count
% within Concern:
- Unreliability
Count
% within Concern:
- Unreliability
Count
% within Concern:
- Unreliability
Yes
No
Concern: - Lack of
Professionalism
Total
Yes No
Concern: * Unreliability
Total
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
found not to be statistically significant, but in trying to grow a business the above perceptions
can be significant economic liabilities. These perceptions appear to be prevalent among minority
consumers of Black-owned businesses. However, that minority could be numerically significant,
especially in a city with a drastically reduced population.
The massive rebuilding process of the post-Katrina era should have provided Black-
owned businesses the opportunity to gain some financial support, whether intentionally or non-
intentionally. It is therefore contingent on Black-owned businesses to explore opportunities for
sustainability and growth, finding ways convert their perceive: (a) valuable service, (b)
satisfactory service, (c) positive public support, and (d) satisfaction with service into increase
patronage, therefore financial support and ultimately the viability of their businesses.
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Black-Owned Businesses Post-Katrina
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