30 July 2009
In 1991, The Cleveland Black Pages was established to provide the African-American community and professionals with a business resource guide and directory. With mentoring assistance from its Chicago counterpart, Black Pages was the first African-American Minority Business Directory published in the northeastern region of Ohio. The publication was renamed Black Pages of Ohio to reflect its phenomenal growth.
Black Pages of Ohio has now become the number one minority-business listing and resource guide throughout Ohio communities. Four annual publications are printed to serve four major Ohio cities; Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo & Akron. These publications combined, circulate over 100 counties and are distributed throughout surrounding communities. Additionally, Black Pages has an online business search index that supports its print advertisement while providing links to our strategic partners and other online services.
The mission of Black Pages Ohio is to uplift, encourage and promote the growth of minority business and entrepreneurship. The organization supports this effort through hosting business and community events in each publishing market. Business-to-business networking receptions, trade shows, business conferences, Black History celebrations, youth and family conferences and an annual golf scholarship classic have been established to support Black Pages commitment to African-American businesses and community.
Black Pages of Ohio works diligently to establish and maintain partnerships with major corporations. These partnerships provide business opportunities and promote the services of the minority business community and are continually expanding across the region. Alltel Wireless, American Family Insurance, CareSource, Dominion, Fifth Third Bank, FirstEnergy, FirsMerit Bank, Life Skills Centers, National City, Radio One, State Farm Insurance are just a few of the corporate partners that are committed to the economic development and African-American community involvement.
In 2006, Black Pages of Ohio celebrated its 15th Anniversary with over 600 guests representing corporations, small businesses and community. Black Pages of Ohio has been recognized for their contributions by numerous organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Fraternity; Kent State University’s, President’s Social Responsibility Award and The 2006 Governor’s Minority Business Development Recognition Award. Black Pages has also been noted as an advocate for minority business and community involvement in numerous publications including The Cleveland Plain Dealer, The Akron Beacon Journal, The Call & Post, The Reporter, Purpose Magazine and The Columbus Post.
