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Black Business Month Event by Friends of Collier City Learning Library and the Black Xperience

By David Miller, Cultural Arts Ambassador 

It is a wonderful feeling to know that Black independence is still alive in the city of Pompano Beach. On August 27, at the Jan Moran Collier City Learning Library, 2800 NW 9th Court, Pompano Beach, an event was held in honor of Black Business Month. Hosted by the Friends of the Library and the Black Xperience, the program acknowledged Bojo’s Seafood Kitchen, 1540 NW 3rd Ave, Pompano Beach, for 10 years of business in the community. 

This pre-anniversary celebration featured fine art drawings on display by Broward Black Artist Group member S. Dawkins Art. A brief presentation by the Black Xperience highlighted the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, along with a slideshow of images chronicling Bojo’s growth over the years. The evening closed with catered food from Pollo Tropical.  

The Friends of the Library recorded 32 attendees on their sign-in sheet. Among the community leaders present were Attiyya Atkins, Publisher of Villij News; City Commissioner Darlene Smith (District 5); Evencia Janvier, President and CEO of the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce; Ed Phillips, Chairman of the Tiger Trail Festival; Victor Johnson, President of the Circle of Brotherhood Pompano Chapter; and Mary Phillips, CEO of Small Biz. Each offered remarks on the power of Black business and made community announcements. 

Bojo’s Seafood Kitchen, a staple in Pompano Beach since 2015, has become a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) example of success in the future downtown corridor. Since opening, owner Brandon Smith has been recognized not only for his food but for his compassion—providing pans of fish to bereaved families and offering employment opportunities to second-chance individuals. These commitments have made Bojo’s a noteworthy Black-owned business in Broward County.