LEGENDS: Eugene Cornelius Jr Wants LGBTQ POC To Own Businesses

Eugene Cornelius Jr. is the Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of International Trade with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Mr. Cornelius leads the Office of International Trade (OIT) in formation and administration of policies and programs, as well as technical direction and coordination of interagency activities with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture, the Export Import Bank, the Department of State, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and other Federal, State, and local agencies.

He is responsible for launching a LGBT economic empowerment tour for communities of color. Many Faces. One Dream. brought focus on the communities’ economic power, innovation and creativity in the small business sphere. The tour occurred in 13 major cities throughout the country that had a significant LGBT presence in communities of color, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Newark, Oakland/San Francisco, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

“The LGBT small business community is helping us create an economy built to last. That is why we are proud to partner with the National Black Justice Coalition – an organization that represents the many faces and true diversity of the movement for full equality,” says Eugene Cornelius Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Field Operations at the U.S. Small Business Administration. “Equipped with the necessary resources and tools, LGBT small business owners and entrepreneurs will have access to a wealth of knowledge, opportunity and economic growth.”

The harsh reality is that workplace and employment discrimination have especially grim consequences in LGBT communities. In fact, the Williams Institute found that between 15 percent and 43 percent of gay and transgender workers have experienced some form of discrimination on the job solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Furthermore, 8 percent to 17 percent of gay and transgender workers report being passed over for a job or fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many Faces. One Dream. served as an innovative approach to creating sustainable economic opportunities in the LGBT community.

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