31 Days and Beyond is a national initiative designed to bring awareness, support and resources to Black-owned businesses in America during key times throughout the year, including the month of August which is National Black Business Month.  

Currently, the economy’s stability remains uncertain in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and so 31 Days and Beyond’s arsenal of support and resources increased with the return of the initiative’s national sponsor, Husch Blackwell law firm.

The law firm will provide pro-bono legal services to eligible Black-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses and nonprofits in Milwaukee and Madison through a special collaboration between “31 Days and Beyond” and the law firm’s own national initiative to support minority businesses, “HB Communities for Change."

To find out if a business is eligible or to volunteer services, go here.

L. Maxwell McKissick, a Marketing Executive and TV & Film Producer, created and founded 31 Days and Beyond last year to serve as a catalyst and call-to-action for Americans to work together and support Black entrepreneurs, Black businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

McKissick is also the Founder of the national nonprofit SERVE 60 and marketing firm Blue Jade Branding, Inc.

“Historically, Black Americans have long suffered from the racial wealth gap and Black businesses have been plagued even more so by a multitude of challenges and inequities on the pathway to finding success in America,” says McKissick. “It’s the main reason that I felt compelled to create this campaign and initiative so that other Black entrepreneurs could receive some much-needed support and resources, such as legal services, through a platform that’s actionable, sustainable and designed to help close the racial wealth gap.” 

The 31 Days and Beyond initiative is focused on three key areas and goals:  Raise awareness and visibility for Black-owned businesses and HBCUs across America; Create, develop and manage an economic empowerment fund to support Black-owned businesses and HBCUs which will provide small business grants and scholarships up to $1,000; Create, grow and manage The Give Black Network, a national network of business professionals that will donate an hour or more of skills or services to support a Black-owned business.

“We are thrilled to return as a partner on the 31 Days and Beyond initiative and collaborate to make a difference in communities by helping to close the racial wealth gap,” stated Quinncy McNeal, Pro Bono Counsel for Husch Blackwell. “Sound legal services are essential to the success of any business and, for many minority businesses, that essential need can be cost prohibitive."

To learn more details about how you can support the 31 Days and Beyond initiative or to become a part of The Give Black Network and apply for pro bono legal services from Husch Blackwell go here.