SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Doctors and experts have warned African Americans across the country are dying from COVID-19 at disproportionately high rates. In Ohio African Americans make up 25% of the state’s total cases, while only representing 12% of the state’s population, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
But black-owned businesses are also at risk.
“There’s so many different issues that this pandemic has exposed,” said State Representative Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland). “When you look at the data and you look at these things you can tell where the disparities are. It’s clear as day where the disparities are and that’s saying something.”
Upchurch said many minority businesses were struggling before the pandemic.
According to a recent JP Morgan Chase study, more than 90% of small businesses in majority black communities have less than 14 days worth of cash saved for emergencies. In addition, the most recent report from the federal reserve shows they’re denied loans at twice the rate of white owners.
“We need to streamline the resources and making sure that they have access to them and making sure that they don’t have to wait longer,” Upchurch said. “We need to make sure that the state is partnering with the community and that we’re working with the federal government to help these minority businesses that are already struggling.”
Lozell Siler, owner of The Gentlemen’s Cave, said he’s doing all he can to keep his business afloat but it’s challenging trying to plan, keep up with bills and help employees without assistance of his own. While complying with Gov. Mike DeWine’s orders, Siler was forced to close just two months after his grand opening
“We’ve applied for everything out there and then we haven’t heard back from anybody so it’s just still a waiting game,” he said. “It’s a disadvantage and I think there should be more immediate help.”
Siler said his luxury barbershop is the first of its kind in Shaker Heights, providing grooming for men and a separate lounge decked out with a bar and cigar room.
“It was a long journey. A year-and-a-half,” Siler said. I set little goals everyday putting this thing together. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity.”
Upchurch, who serves as Vice-chairman for the Ohio House Economic Recovery, said he is working to push for a bi-partisan plan to help Ohio business owners survive post-pandemic.
“We really need to take this time and take the information that we’ve gotten and feedback and really begin to put together a plan and retool Ohio’s economy as we move forward,” Upchurch said.
In the meantime, Siler is making plans for another grand opening.
“One of our strong points in the business plan was for this to become a network haven for gentlemen,” Siler said. “This isn’t just a normal neighborhood barbershop.”
