It was a big thrill to welcome dozens of guests to the San Francisco African-American Chamber mixer at Sheba Piano Lounge last night.  Almost to a person, they gazed around at the lush surroundings and asked, “When did this open?”

I had urged my fellow board members to hold the event at Sheba just because of that effect, which not only redounded to the benefit of the restaurant, but also the image of black businesses in general.

Over the years, many of the corporate visitors, who hailed from firms like PG&E, AT&T, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, AXA Advisors will make Sheba Piano Lounge their new spot for power drinks and meals.

That’s the whole concept of Black Business Month, just to get people to change their misconceptions about black businesses by viewing them.

Invariably, those who offer negative opinions have never seen what we have to offer.

So if you have the opportunity to visit blackrestaurant.info and visit one of the sites around the country, don’t just do it to benefit the business owner. You,ll find they make you look good too.