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Calling All Black-Owned Businesses: Be Part of the 2025/2026 Official El Paso Black-Owned Business Directory!

June 20, 2025 by BEPV Staff

August is Black Business Month, and this year, we’re doing it bigger and better! We’re proud to announce the 2025/2026 Official El Paso Black-Owned Business Directory – Print Edition, set to launch this August as a dynamic, must-have community resource.

Get Listed – Digitally, It’s FREE!

Are you a Black-owned business in El Paso or the surrounding area? Don’t miss your opportunity to be listed FREE in our online digital directory! This is your chance to increase visibility, connect with the community, and reach new customers—all at no cost.

This online listing is more than a directory—it’s a digital movement to highlight and support Black excellence in business.

Print Edition Advertising – Limited Space, Maximum Value

The print edition is a powerful tool that reaches local households, organizations, and businesses during National Black Business Month in August. While digital listings are free, printed ads are available for a minimal cost, and every advertiser will receive a complimentary copy of the directory.

Advertising Rates:

  • Business Card Ad (3.5×2) – $25
  • Half Page (8×5 Horizontal) – $50
  • Full Page (8.5×11) – $75

This printed guide is more than ads—it features business spotlights, resource listings, community features, and vital information for and by the Black community.

Advertising Deadline: JULY 18, 2025

Space is limited and filling fast. Secure your spot by July 18, 2025, to be included in this year’s high-impact, high-visibility print edition. Whether you’re a business owner, community organization, or agency serving the Black community, this is the must-have opportunity to connect and grow.

Join the Black Business Network

Interested in deeper community engagement or growing your network? Join the El Paso Black Business Network!
Email: info@epbbn.com or monica@blackelpasovoice.com for more details.

📣 Don’t miss your chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Be part of this dynamic resource that uplifts and empowers our local Black business community. Your business deserves the spotlight—let’s make it happen!

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

El Paso Black Business & Community Network Quarterly Session: A Celebration of Black History Month

January 28, 2025 by BEPV Staff

El Paso’s Black Business & Community Network (EPBBN) is gearing up for its first Quarterly Session of 2025 with an evening of insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: McCall Center
💰 Cost: $10 – Pay securely online: https://form.jotform.com/250278633806158
👥 Ages: 16 and older
🚨 Limited Seating: Only 25 attendees!

Honoring Black History Month: “African Americans and Labor”
In recognition of Black History Month 2025, the session will highlight this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” exploring the critical role of African Americans in the workforce, past and present.

Speakers
Hear from local leaders in business, community, and entrepreneurship, including:

  • Terri Reed – EP Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Renard Johnson – President & CEO of METI CORP
  • Monica Tucker – Founder of Black El Paso Voice
  • Abeni Janae – Lead Musician – The AJM Collective. Founder: Abeni Janae Music
  • DeMarco Wren – Founder of JDC Energy Resource

Key Topics & Discussions

The session will feature information on employment challenges and emerging industries, including:
✅ Youth & Young Adult Employment Challenges
✅ Military Spouse Employment Opportunities
✅ Exploration of Emerging Industries:

  • Green Energy
  •  Technology
  • E-commerce

✅ Support Systems for Local Entrepreneurs

Join the Conversation!
This session provides a unique platform to network, learn, and engage with local business leaders while addressing critical workforce and entrepreneurial challenges. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or aspiring business leader, this session offers insights and connections.

📢 Reserve Your Spot Today! Seating is limited to 25 attendees, so don’t miss out!
🔗 More Information & Registration: www.blackelpasovoice.com/epbbn
#ElPasoBlackBusiness #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #Entrepreneurship #Networking #CommunityLeadership

BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business, Community News

Black Business Month – Empowering El Paso’s Black Entrepreneurs as a Call for Collaborative Progress

August 18, 2023 by BEPV Staff

Black El Paso Voice, The Black Roundtable, El Paso Black Business Network/ElPasoBlackPages with City Council

On Tuesday, August 15th, Black El Paso Voice, The Black Roundtable, and El Paso Black Business Network received the proclamation for Black Business Month from Mayor Oscar Leeser and City Representatives. 

Dear Citizens of El Paso,

We are halfway through Black Business Month, and a vigorous call for progress reverberates throughout our city. As proud citizens and dedicated business proprietors, we unite under a common banner that promotes growth, empowerment, and unity. We shed light on an imperative change, one that is poised to elevate not just a few but our entire community.

As we honor the vital essence of Black Business Month, our perspective transcends mere commemoration. We are moving from celebration to collaboration. We invite you to partake in this shared journey, wherein we contribute to constructing a more fantastic future in El Paso. Our purpose isn’t confined to celebration; it thrives on action, innovation, and the belief that together, we can create a path to true excellence.

Only a short while ago, Black El Paso Voice highlighted the brilliance of our Black business owners and community leaders. But this celebration extended its rays. It acknowledged the champions of diversity among us, those who have recognized the light that our community casts. We stood shoulder to shoulder with individuals like UTEP professor Cherry Duke, friends like Veronica Dayoub, trailblazers like Terri Reed and Mary Helen Aldeis, and organizations like the El Paso Museum of History. 

Our city’s leaders, Dionne Mack and Parks and Rec’s Pablo Caballero, were also acknowledged as champions of togetherness during this occasion. We rejoiced in the achievements and contributions that shaped our shared narrative.

The result? A spark of inspiration ignited within our black entrepreneurs, rekindling their ambitions and propelling them toward a brighter actualization of what can be. But, even amid this resurgence, many voices echo a sentiment of being unseen and underrepresented. Our city prides itself on embracing every dream, regardless of origin. Today, we invite you to envision specialized initiatives thoughtfully designed to address Black entrepreneurs’ unique challenges. Mentorship programs, avenues to capital, and workshops focused on capacity-building are the cornerstones of this endeavor. These programs are not just pathways to prosperity but the birthplace of innovation, culture, and sustained growth.

While the presence of a chamber of commerce and local business initiatives provides a foundation, the journey of Black entrepreneurship is complex. Our endeavor necessitates a nuanced understanding, a genuine concern, and a strategic approach; this is where the expertise of The Black Roundtable comes into play – a collective of seasoned leaders and experts who have traversed the entrepreneurial landscape. 

But let us not limit ourselves. By including the wisdom of diverse voices, irrespective of ethnicity, and combining it with our city’s boundless resources, we form an alliance poised to enact real and lasting change. As we synchronize our efforts with Juneteenth initiatives, we maximize our impact while minimizing duplication of resources.

We do not believe in reinventing the wheel, only strengthening its use.

It’s all in the details. While envisioning change is crucial, the accurate measure of success lies in its execution. We propose a symphony of action, bridging the intention-policy gap and cultivating a culture of hands-on engagement. We amplify our reach by creating and encouraging partnerships with esteemed institutions of higher learning, established business associations, and grassroots community organizations. The diverse talents and experiences intertwined through these collaborations fortify our programs and multiply their effects.

The Role of El Paso’s City and County Leaders

To our dedicated member leaders of the city and county of El Paso, your role is pivotal. As architects of change, you hold the key to progress and real-life transformation. By committing resources, streamlining regulations, and actively participating in the mentorship and support of Black entrepreneurs, you sow the seeds of a movement that transcends the boundaries of Black Business Month. This movement is primed to become a cornerstone of our city’s essence, driving sustained socioeconomic growth and progress.

Our call for action is deeply intertwined with the legacy of John and Mary Woods, whose journey brought them to El Paso following the supposed end of slavery. Their tale, a testament to black entrepreneurial success, shaped the landscape we travel today. By honoring these historical milestones, as masterfully executed by the El Paso Museum of History, we instill a hunger for knowledge and achievement within our present generation of Black entrepreneurs.

We stand united as a voice, representing our fellow Black business owners. Our plea is not to compare successes or bemoan disparities by the “already attained” Black entrepreneurs in our city but to elevate our journey, where each stride paves the way for our future in the Sun City. As we lay the groundwork, our vision is a city where our children and generations beyond can thrive and prosper upon their return.

Acknowledging Disparities while Pioneering Progress

Acknowledging the past – the disparities and challenges – is not an exercise in dwelling on differences. It’s a recognition of history that shapes our present reality. Just as our ancestors were uprooted from prosperous lands to shape new destinies, we, their descendants, hold the power to redefine our city’s narrative to mold it into an exemplar of excellence.

Though our numbers might be modest, our influence is profound. El Paso’s journey to greatness is incomplete without the vibrant contributions of its Black entrepreneurs, including those of us who arrive by way of the military. Together, we are piloting the course towards greater. El Paso can be enriched by including our diverse voices, ideas, and talents that define our great city.

We’re here for it.

Monica Tucker

Publisher/Founder

Black El Paso Voice

The Black Roundtable

Carl Dwyer and Curtis Smith
Charles Smith with Mayor Oscar Leeser
Shonique Tornes with Mayor Oscar Leeser
Chrishelle Waldo with Mayor Oscar Leeser
BEPV Staff
blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business, Community News, Uncategorized

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Angie Michelle Barraza | Art4Life

August 8, 2023 by Monica Tucker

Angie-Michelle Barraza (she/her), a local artist from El Paso, Texas, has cultivated a remarkable artistic journey spanning over two decades. With a Bachelor’s degree in studio art painting and a Minor in metals from the University of Texas at El Paso, she has established herself as a dynamic force in the creative landscape. As a former El Paso Art Association board member in 2021, Angie-Michelle showcased her commitment to the local art community. Her artistic exploration has birthed two compelling coloring books: “I Love Us” and “I Love Us So Much!” released in 2021 and 2023, demonstrating her ability to merge storytelling with interactive art. Angie-Michelle’s work portrays her experience as a Black/Afro-Latina woman in America. It extends to commissioned paintings enriching the city’s spaces and sharing her expertise through painting instruction at public events.

linktr.ee/angie_michelle

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“I deserve to take up space.”

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Arts, Arts & Culture, Books, Business

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Tyrone D. McDuffie Jr., LPC

August 7, 2023 by Monica Tucker

Tyrone D. McDuffie Jr. is a licensed professional counselor who believes that there should be no negative stigma attached to a person seeking help for mental health related problems. He specializes in treating patients with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and anger management with a focus on stress management. He has found that with many of his patients that suffer from mental health related problems that overwhelming stress and the lack of healthy stress management techniques is a main contributing factor.

Tyrone is a certified stress management coach under the Spencer Institute and certified anger management coach under Century Anger Management. He has also served as a host, motivational, and keynote speaker in El Paso, Texas and the surrounding areas. Tyrone served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1998 and is a proud veteran. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (2010) from Park University and Master of Arts in Counseling (2013) from Webster University. He completed his post graduated supervision at the Army Continuing Education Services (ACES) Ft. Bliss Texas and El Paso Behavioral Health System in El Paso, Texas. He is always motivated about helping people live better lives through counseling, coaching, and consulting.

facebook.com/mcduffie.tm

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“Some of the best things in life will happen for you when you just show up.”

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business, Mental Health

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Ronnie & Dr. E.C. Dukes, DUKEScomics.com

August 6, 2023 by Monica Tucker

E.C.-Dukes and Ronnie Dukes are the creative force behind DUKEScomics, an independent comic books publisher. E.C. is a writer. Ronnie is an artist. The duo met in Minneapolis, Minnesota. E.C. is from New Mexico and Ronnie from Chicago. They’ve been married for over 15 years. Their first graphic novel “A.W.O.L.” was published in English in 2016 and premiered at El Paso Comic Con. The Japanese edition of “A.W.O.L.” was published in 2018 and premiered the same year at Tokyo Comic Con in Japan. The Spanish edition of “A.W.O.L.” came out in 2020 and premiered at virtual MexAmeriCon. Elvira and Ronnie have just released their second graphic novel, Daizee and the Dukes of Chuco: Chuco-Juárez World Rally and have launched into a world tour to promote their new epic adventure.

“Embrace the journey because every step, whether big or small, takes you closer to your dreams.” Ronnie & Elvira Dukes

——-

Ronnie Dukes is a Black artist from the south side of Chicago. His first professional artist experience began at Gallery 37 while in high school. Ronnie earned a degree in computer animation in Minneapolis before relocating to Harlem in New York City where he began to paint and exhibit work. Ronnie created his publishing company DUKEScomics with his wife, partner Elvira Carrizal-Dukes, featuring their first major print project “A.W.O.L.”, a full -color graphic novel available in English, Japanese and Spanish. Ronnie past work includes collaborations with the Department of Tribal Empowerment Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter, and the El Paso Museum of Art. 

#CONSTANTER

 

E.C.-Dukes (a.k.a. Dr. Elvira Carrizal-Dukes) is a Xicana writer from Chaparral, New Mexico. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from Columbia University in the City of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Journalism and Chicano Studies and a minor in Theatre Arts. Dr. Dukes writes comics, graphic novels, screenplays, plays for theatre production, and academic scholarship. She is a writer, filmmaker, and teaching artist. To learn more about Dr. Dukes’ work, visit her online portfolio at: https://ecdukes.wixsite.com/multimedia-portfolio

 

 

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting DeMarco Wren, JDC Energy Resource

August 5, 2023 by Monica Tucker

LIFE IS ENERGY

JDC ENERGY RESOURCE, LLC is an energy enhancement distribution company. We are a distribution company for the Electrical Energy Enhancement units called Speed Joule. We also provide services for renewable energy and electrical services, residential/commercial, in the El Paso, Texas area.

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Alexis & Jenzel, Different Breed Performance Training

August 4, 2023 by Monica Tucker

In the heart of El Paso, Texas, a sports revolution is underway with Different Breed Performance Training. Founded by former Division 1 athletes Jenzel Nash and Alexis Thornton, this dynamic program aims to unlock the potential of every athlete who walks through its doors. Beyond conventional training, Different Breed focuses on mental toughness, agility, strength, and reaction time, preparing athletes to shine when the spotlight is on. The tight-knit DB Family forms a support system that fosters growth and resilience, making it a home for athletes of all levels. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence, Different Breed redefines sports training and creates champions destined for greatness.

——-

“Set goals that push you to the limits, and once those goals are reached, you’ll realize anything is possible with hard work and dedication.” Jenzel Nash

Find out more about Black Business Month

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Mr. Charles Smith, Gentleman Boutique by GON

August 3, 2023 by Monica Tucker

I am Charles Wesley Smith Jr. I am a Loyal ,Creator, and game changer in my community. Being a son, husband, proud father and successful business owner at the age of 27. In addition to always finding new avenues to provide an exceptional experience in business concepts to anyone I come in contact with, keeping God in the center in all I do.

Charles Wesley Smith Jr. is a 27-year-old loyal and innovative figure in the community. As a devoted husband, proud father, and son, he also thrives as a successful business owner. Charles’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences in his ventures is matched only by his steadfast faith, keeping God at the center of all he does. His impact as a game-changer and visionary has left an inspiring and lasting impression on those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. Support Gentleman Boutique by

——-

“It is great for others to see the value in you, However it profits you nothing if you do not see the value in yourself.” CJ

Find out more about Black Business Month

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

#BlackBusinessMonth | Highlighting Nicole Hector, Opulent Skin Suite

August 1, 2023 by Monica Tucker

ABOUT NICOLE HECTOR

Nicole Hector is an Esthetician and the owner of Opulent Skin Suite, a boutique Facial Spa established in 2018.

In addition to being a self-care advocate and wellness enthusiast, she is a mom, a wife to an Army Veteran, a dog mom, and an avid bruncher. She wears many hats and is an inspiring example for other women aspiring to live out their dreams of entrepreneurship. Her advice for them is, “If you’re passionate about it, you can’t fail.”

Nicole aspires to continue to help women boost their self-confidence through self-care practices and to be an activist in her community for wellness initiatives.

Facebook.com/opulentskin
Instagram.com/opulentskinsuite

Celebrate August as Black Business Month! Throughout the month, #EPBlackBusinessNetwork will shine a spotlight on Black Entrepreneurs on the Border, featured in the #ElPasoBlackBusinessDirectory. Founded by Historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr in 2004, National Black Business Month aims to impact policies affecting 2.6 million Black businesses.

Despite facing historical challenges like systemic racism, redlining, and violence, Black businesses have shown incredible resilience and success. Let’s honor those who paved the way for today’s entrepreneurs in El Paso County with Black El Paso Voice.

El Paso can make a positive impact by supporting initiatives like elpasoblackpages.com, a free platform for Black business owners, and the El Paso Black Business Network.  Embracing business diversity and celebrating milestones, successes, and progress in the Black business community is vital for our city’s continued success.

Black entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives, talents, and innovation that enrich the fabric of our city. It’s essential to provide them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and recognition.  Let’s also remember, as business owners, to prioritize delivering a pleasant customer experience. #BlackBusinessMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #ElPasoEntrepreneurs #BusinessDiversity #InnovationMatters

Monica Tucker

Monica is the founder and publisher of Black El Paso Voice. She is an advocate fighting against racism and embracing positive community involvement. She is a lover of God, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the greatest defender of her family. She also enjoy House Music and swears it’s the best music on the planet!

blackelpasovoice.com

Filed Under: Business

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