SEATTLE — Black History is celebrated throughout the month of February.
While several success stories and trailblazers are celebrated, many Western Washington Black entrepreneurs are starting legacies of their own.
With the support of organizations such as Seattle Restored, more small businesses are taking part in revitalizing the Emerald City.
Seattle Restored program manager Mia Stephenson stopped by the KING 5 studios Sunday morning.
"We connect artists and businesses with vacant spaces," Stephenson said. "We see a great impact in [decreasing] vandalism and theft."
Stephenson said a partnership with an organization, Civic Economics, helps the group identify the direct economic impacts of programs like Seattle Restored.
"We can see that there is a tangible return on investment when we support small local business, and particularly Black and BIPOC-led businesses which then bring those economic opportunities back into their communities," Stephenson said.
For a look at some local Black-owned businesses and to learn more about Seattle Restored, click the video player above.
For a look at a directory identifying Black- and BIPOC-owned businesses, click here.