On the newest episode from the 55th anniversary season of Basic Black, we are on location to discuss the economic growth of business leaders of color in Seaport Boston, and how some Black and Brown entrepreneurs are facing barriers of entry into this high-end destination for premium homes, retail, and entertainment.
Joining host Callie Crossley: Nia Grace, Owner of the supper club, Grace by Nia at the Seaport, and a Board Member of Meet Boston; Corean Reynolds, Director of Nightlife Economy for the City of Boston; and Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Nubian Square Development, LLC, and Chairman, Taylor Smith Group, which was part of the joint venture development of the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 Show theme song.
0:30 Show topic: The Economic Growth of Seaport Boston
1:00 Callie introduces guest panelists
2:05 Nia shares her journey opening her restaurant in the Seaport.
3:01 Callie reiterates two of her guests are experienced entrepreneurs
3:34 Nia describes how her new restaurant brings back the supper club theme.
4:28 Richard talks about evaluating RFPs from women-owned firms and companies of color.
6:15 Corean shares how they want the Seaport to reflect culture and diversity in the space.
7:10 Nia expresses the community and neighborhood support of her restaurant.
7:30 Richard emphasizes the financial capacity of operating in the Seaport.
8:40 Corean's Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion goals for more minority businesses.
9:44 Callie quotes 2022 Boston Globe article: Black Businesses. When black businesses fail, it hurts everybody.
10:16 Richard explains that capital is critical to develop in prime locations.
10:57 Nia and Richard discuss the Massport model, for diverse participation across all levels in development.
12:08 Nia shares her experience of her initial business proposal getting rejected.
14:46 Richard says entrepreneurs accept a bad space in order to get in, leads to disaster.
15:27 Corean praises the representation of Grace by Nia signage for the community
16:01 Richard discusses how this is an inflection point for Boston's transformation.
16:20 Callie asks how this development will change how we present Boston to the world.
17:05 Corean expresses how the City of Boston is working with groups to expand economic growth for more communities of color.
18:10 Richard says how it was embarassing for conventioneers to come to Boston.
18:55 Nia sees the upcoming NAACP conference will be a stress test for businesses of color.
19:24 Callie asks what entrepreneurs of color will face moving into prime locations.
19:47 Richard says that partnerships are key to success for entrepreneurs of color.
20:48 Nia shares that experts in those areas are also key to success.
21:20 Richard says that you cannot be hung up on 100% of something can be a hinderance.
21:52 Callie asks what will be the predictions for more development and economic growth.
22:08 Nia predicts there will be more offices entering into the district rather than services.
22:30 Richard sees more residential housing coming into the community.
23:08 Corean wants more of Boston residents to participate in the Seaport district.
23:35 Nia shares her experience of the pressure to succeed and feels the joy of representation.
24:30 Richard talks about investors coming up with capital to take part in the venture development.
25:52 Callie thanks her panelists and reads her outro
26:10 end of show / credits roll
26:46 Digital post-show begins, Callie introduces topic
27:10 Nia shares her experience on the first day of opening her restaurant.
27:42 Richard shares his experience dining in the restaurant as a Harlem Renaissance.
28:42 Corean describes her experience entering the restaurant her first time.
29:32 Corean talks about the transportation issues entering the Seaport district.
30:15 Richard talks about the new MBTA stations nearby the area.
31:05 Nia sees a diverse group of people coming out to support her business model.
32:03 Callie asks did they look elsewhere for supper club influences.
32:30 Nia explains where she saw influences for her supper club model.
32:50 Richard talks about similar models in other markets
33:10 Corean states that there is no other place like Boston for culture and entertainment.
32:27 Callie ends the show and thanks her guests.
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A transcript of the show will be available upon request.
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