Founder of PPGJ, Dr. Artika Tyner, Named to One Million Black Women in Business

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Sept. 27, 2023 - PRLog -- Dr. Artika Tyner has been named as a member of Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business. Tyner is the founder of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore, a Black woman-owned social enterprise that focuses on promoting literacy and diversity in books.

"Reading is fundamental to education," said Tyner. "Only 18% of Black fourth graders are reading at grade level, making them four times more likely to not graduate. Children are more likely to read books when they can identify with the characters. Black youth are more likely to see a black dog on a book cover than a Black boy or a Black girl. The book industry has been ineffective in promoting the joy of reading among Black children. PPGJ publishes, promotes and distributes books that encourage and empower Black children to find joy in reading."

Three other Black women business owners in Minnesota were also named to One Million Black Women in Business. They include Calandra Revering, Esq. who has led her Revering Law Offices for over 20 years, she defends juvenile defendants on a pro bono basis. She has shattered economic and system barriers and paved the way for future generations seeking a career in law.

Also, named was Tasha Harris, cofounder of Kobi Co., a Black-owned luxury candle company that pairs each original fragrance with a curated playlist that elevates a simple self-care moment. Kobi Co. is a mother-daughter team that started out as a self-care practice for Kobi. Kobi Co. takes self-care seriously and is giving back to the community through college scholarships.

Tatiana Freeman, owner of Nosh Posh, was also named. The company curates healthy, nutritious, and convenient snacks made by BIPOC and women-owned businesses for corporate use, the workplace, and vending machines.

Along with its partners, Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business invests in Black women-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations, providing grant programs to provide new opportunities for Black women at all levels.

A study by Goldman Sachs showed that Black women account for 42 percent of new women-owned businesses, yet face a 90% wealth gap with disparity in pay and opportunities, compared to white women. The gap is widening and was exacerbated by the pandemic. The study showed that fewer Black women earn college degrees, they're less likely to own a bank account or obtain a loan, and 8.6% have had to use a payday loan with exorbitant interest rates.

Being named a member of Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business (https://www.goldmansachs.com/our-commitments/sustainabili...) is a measure of the impact that Black women are making in the business world, their communities, and the future of the nation.