Wearing a jacket bearing the image of Madam CJ Walker, the legendary Black entrepreneur who was America’s first female self-made millionaire, Sheletta Brundidge moved from congressional office to office at the Capitol building, carrying letters from Minnesota’s Black small businesses.

Like Madam Walker, Brundidge is an activist who seeks to uplift entrepreneurs of color. By the end of the day, Brundidge’s visits led to action, including a congressional field hearing in the Twin Cities to highlight Black businesses’ historic struggles.

Brundidge, a small business owner, was in D.C. to be recognized at the National Small Business Association’s Advocate of the Year Luncheon for her ongoing efforts to champion Minnesota’s Black entrepreneurs.

In keeping with her passion for advocacy, Brundidge set up appointments with Minnesota’s congressional delegation. She personally delivered hand-written letters from Minnesota’s Black small business owners, requesting considerations like greater access to capital, more technical support, and less red tape to qualify for federal funds.

“There’s a request here, but this is someone’s dream, someone’s dream to make a difference in the community,” said Rep. Angie Craig, after reading a letter from a business owner that provides coaching for youth.

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“I’ve served on the small business committee for two sessions of Congress. We have some grants available here at the federal level that we may be able to put this group in touch with,” added Rep. Craig.

Rep. Ilhan Omar told Brundidge that the history of obstacles to lending for Black startups has had a long legacy. “It’s not that people aren’t talented and don’t have great imaginations. They do great things with small amounts of dollars,” Rep. Omar said. “We know where the concentration of pain and the lack of resources is.”

In her day at the Capitol, Brundidge also visited the offices of Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Dean Phillips, and Sen. Tina Smith.

“When we create opportunities for them, it’s like an engine for our economy,” said Sen. Smith after reading a few letters.

“These letters, they all have a purpose, they are trying to solve a problem in our community. We get letters all the time and we respond to every one of them so we will respond to these.”

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After reviewing the letters, Rep. Dean Phillips wanted to hear more. “We need to get some of these people around a table, maybe even try to do a field hearing of the Small Business Committee where we can really listen to people,” Rep. Phillips said. “A letter is awesome but face-to-face is even more meaningful.”

At the conclusion of the visits, Brundidge said she felt she was on her way to accomplishing her goal. “I’m here to make sure they remember us when they are sitting around that table and dividing up the pie. I’m asking them for our piece,” Brundidge said. “I believe they heard us and they know we will hold them accountable.”

Brundidge is the CEO of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh, a podcasting platform, production, and marketing company. She produces 11 weekly podcasts that highlight Black subject experts for underserved audiences of color.

As an advocate, Brundidge conceived and sponsored the first Black Entrepreneurs Day at the Capitol last February, bringing 300 small business owners of color to St. Paul. They met with Gov. Tim Walz, cabinet-level officials, and state legislators from both parties to highlight their specific needs and the barriers to success. 

During Black Business Month in August, Brundidge funded an outdoor billboard campaign to highlight five Black women business owners and gifted five other Black women business owners with unsolicited investments of $1000.​ 

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