The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) issued a statement regarding a Texas federal court judge’s recent Nuziard v. MBDA ruling. The judge ruled that the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) must be open to all businesses and races. AMAC believes this is another example of how critical diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives continue to be under attack despite government evidence that minority businesses have far less access to capital and credit than their white counterparts due to racial discrimination in lending markets.
The President Nixon Administration created the MBDA 55 years ago, and a bipartisan coalition in Congress now authorizes the agency, which the Biden Administration has codified. MBDA has been committed to providing the programs, services, and initiatives needed for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to achieve economic success and prosperity. Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) are fast-growing, innovative, and represented in every industry sector in the U.S. MBEs directly contribute to the U.S. economy and account for the creation of millions of jobs. Expanding economic access for MBEs benefits all Americans. According to MBDA, 9.2 million MBEs generate more than $1.8 trillion in revenue annually for the U.S. economy.
AMAC President and CEO Eboni Wimbush says the organization stands proudly with the MBDA as it explores its options in this case. AMAC will continue to relentlessly pursue the mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. As an open letter to business leaders shared, “We call on CEOs in the aerospace and aviation industries to maintain and expand their diversity initiatives. A critical part of the ecosystem is minority- and women-owned businesses that support infrastructure growth and accelerate local economic development and American global competitiveness. As we face challenges, it is imperative that we advance policies and practices that ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. Together, we are building a legacy of inclusivity and strength that will benefit future generations.”
The MBDA continues to pursue its mission despite the judge’s ruling. The agency hosted the Divine Nine Sororities, The National Council of Negro Women, The Links Incorporated, The Black Women’s Agenda, and The National Coalition of 100 Black Women at the White House in March 2024. During this event, MBDA memorialized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each organization to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises.
“The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with these women-led organizations to break down barriers and expand opportunities for Black women,” said Eric Morissette, performing the delegated duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. “As the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs, women of color continue to be a driving force for the nation’s economy. The Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Commerce, and MBDA are committed to matching their drive with the resources and opportunities they need and deserve.”
The event featured a roundtable discussion with each organization’s leadership that examined women entrepreneurs’ challenges regarding access to capital, starting and scaling businesses, and access to contracts and networks. MBDA’s alliance with these organizations aims to provide solutions, resources, and opportunities for economic empowerment.
The Department of Commerce’s mission is “to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities.” Through this historic collaboration with the Divine Nine sororities and other national women’s leadership organizations, the MBDA continues to ensure economic prosperity for all American business enterprises.
