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From Legacy to Longevity

Black Entrepreneurship & Black Health


February invites us to reflect on legacy.


During Black History Month, we honor the contributions, sacrifices, and resilience of African Americans whose leadership has shaped culture, industry, and innovation across every sector of society. Black entrepreneurship has long been a tool of survival and advancement building businesses when access to capital was denied, creating jobs when systems excluded us, and generating wealth in communities where investment was withheld.




This month also marks American Heart Month, reminding us that while we build businesses and strengthen communities, we must also protect our health.


According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with Black Americans facing a disproportionately higher risk due to long-standing inequities in access to care, nutrition, safe environments for exercise, and preventive services.

Entrepreneurship and wellness are deeply connected. Business ownership demands energy, focus, endurance, and mental clarity. Without health, economic progress becomes fragile. When entrepreneurs neglect their bodies in the pursuit of success, the cost is often paid long term.


But across our Urban League Entrepreneurship Center network, we are seeing a powerful shift.


Black entrepreneurs are not only building wealth, they are building wellness ecosystems. From plant-based culinary innovators to fitness facilities reimagining traditional standards for healthy movement, our business community is expanding access to nutritious, culturally relevant food and wellness options. These ventures are proof that economic empowerment and health equity can move together.


When we support Black-owned businesses that prioritize wellness, we do more than make a purchase. We invest in community health. We strengthen local economies. We model longevity.



As we celebrate the history of Black enterprise and resilience, let us also commit to sustaining the people who carry that legacy forward. Small, consistent changes, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, preventive care, can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.


Black history is about survival, innovation, and strength.


Black health is about longevity.


And entrepreneurship is the bridge that allows both to thrive.


This February, let’s honor legacy by choosing wellness, one decision, one habit, one plate at a time.



Explore a few of our ULEC clients: 




For those interested in building a strong foundation and receiving support with creating a business plan, we encourage you to visit our website and complete an intake form today by clicking the following link https://www.urbanleaguephila.org/ulec-intake 



Momentum Newsletter: February 2026 | Issue 2

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