- Nearly 50% of minority business owners reported that they expected to permanently shut down in the few next months
- 22% of African-American business owners reported they have already shut down permanently
- 41% of AA & Latinx business owners reported they did not receive any assistance after applying for the government relief program
These are just a few statistics from Color of Change & Unidos US that #W4TC and proud Afro-Latina Cherry Martinez wants us to take heed to!
(Image from Cherry Martinez – Zimbio)
In an effort to bring awareness to the negative impact of Covid-19 on small business, Cherry Martinez (GRAMMY-Award Winning Publisher and Legendary New York DJ) launched a giveback initiative to “provide air-time for businesses in need of advertising as a result of the effects of COVID-19.”
On June 23rd, the Media Personality announced she would “provide free radio commercials for minority-owned businesses negatively affected by the novel coronavirus” on her 24/7 Radio Show on FMHipHop.com. She says, “We know that many budding entrepreneurs and small businesses would benefit from any type of promotion during this pandemic-induced economic shutdown.” She continues, “This is my community and I want to help as much as I can.”
Martinez understands the importance of her celebrity and that she can use her role to make a difference. Looking for nothing in return, she simply saw “the drastic effects that COVID-19 placed on smaller, minority owned businesses all over, and really wanted to do her part and use her platform to help.”
She’s also done the research to back it up.
“In two recent surveys, only 12 percent of Black and Hispanic business owners reported that they received funding they had requested and 45 percent of minority business owners reported that they expect to permanently shut down in the next six months.”
Check out Martinez’ video on the initiative below:
The following steps are required to enter: “To participate, minority business owners across the U.S. are instructed to follow @FMHipHop on Instagram, like & reshare their post about this initiative and tag five businesses. Once complete, business-owners can email their 30-second radio advertisement to FMHipHopRadio@gmail.com.”
Enter while you can! The promotion ends on July 23rd!
For more information on Cherry Martinez, visit cherryontop.com and tune in to #W2WW (Women to Watch Wednesday) on WomenForTheCulture on Instagram live July 15th.
About FMHipHop.
FMHipHop is a digital radio station rapidly becoming the #1 digital destination for what’s happening in the world of hip hop, trap and rnb. What sets FMHipHop apart is our lean toward edgy, modern hip-hop compared to traditional stations. Our growing audience will be introduced to new songs they haven’t heard before as well as popular hits they know and love already. FMHipHop has something for everyone: commercial-free mix shows, talk shows, celebrity interviews, and the latest gossip, news, and trends in the music industry.
About Cherry.
Cherry Martinez is a hip hop radio veteran, New York DJ, media personality, and philanthropist. She is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, started her career at WILD 1090 AM giving entertainment reports (thanks to the highly talented Stephen Hill) and for many years, hosted “Sexy in the City,” Power 105.1’s #1 rated evening show.
Today, Cherry’s businesses include CherryOnTop.com, a marketing platform, Code Media and FMHipHop.com. Cherry’s Code Media published Grammy winning song “Focus” by H.E.R. and helped Fetty Wap by contributing to the radio version of seven time Grammy nominated “Trap Queen” which has sold 10 million copies units and is certified Diamond.
Media Contact
Jade Solomon
24jaded@gmail.com