![](https://blackmoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/vbbcover.jpg)
NEW YORK CITY — VOTEBLACKBUSINESS: State of Black Business, 21st edition rates New York State as the top performer in its annual Black Business Affinity Index.
John William Templeton, founder of the Journal of Black Innovation National Black Business Month, praised the work of the state’s African-American legislators and local leaders to put economic development at the forefront of the recovery from the pandemic.
“The $300 million investment in Downstate Medical Center University Hospital in the June budget responds to our top priority, the sustenance of 450 Black-Serving Hospitals nationally,” said Templeton.
Sen. James Sanders, D-Queens, father of MBWE legislation in New York and chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators economic development committtee, joined Templeton for the release of the 21st report on May 15.
He also joins Templeton on July 9 for the anniversary of the 14th Amendment as top attorneys discuss how to defend the priorities of Black legislators against attacks on civil rights.