Power Broker magazine marks its 20th anniversary with the release of Tampa Bay Forward, a data‑rich anthology that chronicles the economic and social achievements of Black residents in the Tampa Bay area.
Local leaders highlight milestones
Founder and publisher Gypsy Gallardo told the St. Pete Catalyst that the book’s mission is to showcase “all that is good and positive… success‑oriented” about the community. Gallardo, a longtime consultant on economic equity, said the project aims to cut through the “culture war” narrative and present a new vision for progress.
The anthology cites several striking figures:
- Tampa Bay ranks #1 in per‑capita income for Black households among Florida’s eight economic development regions.
- Black household real income has risen 145% since 2000.
- Aggregate net worth of Black households has grown 265%.
- Black‑owned firms have increased 1,236% from 1997 to 2023, with employer firms expanding 4.5‑fold, adding jobs to the community.
- 35% of Black workers now hold managerial or professional roles, up from just 5% in 1960.
Calls for continued investment
Gallardo urges local political, business and nonprofit leaders to build institutional capacity, noting that St. Pete lacks a dedicated organization to anchor the agenda for Black economic advancement. She points to models such as the Equity Institute of Durham and the CDC of Tampa as examples to emulate.
The book is available at the Urban League of the Florida Suncoast in St. Pete (333 31st Street N) and at the Black English Bookstore in Tampa (401 Oak Avenue) as well as the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa (1901 E Hillsborough Avenue). A gathering of leaders on “Future Focused Strategies for Inclusive Growth” is scheduled for Oct. 7, 9:00‑10:30 a.m., with registration open online.
Gallardo also encourages support for the INROADS program, which has trained leaders such as Nikki Gaskin‑Capehart, and invites contributions through the Urban League of the Florida Suncoast or the 2020 Fund at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
