One woman's mission to promote black-owned business for nearly two decades: 'I know the hardship'
TAMPA, Fla. - As we celebrate Black History Month, we celebrate a woman who turned her passion for community empowerment into groundbreaking initiatives.

Participants during a Black Business Bus Tour.
About Lowe
The backstory:
Candy Lowe has been at the forefront of promoting black businesses and political engagement for nearly two decades.
Lowe has made it her life's purpose to uplift her community.

Candy Lowe speaking.
Black Business Bus Tour
Dig deeper:
In 2006, Lowe founded the Black Business Bus Tour, a one-of-kind initiative designed to spotlight and support Black-owned businesses.
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"I know the hardship," said Lowe. "I know the sitting there and not having the customer numbers that you need. I know what it's like to sit there and have one receipt book that first year."
Every year, the Black Business Bus Tour travels through the Tampa Bay Area, stopping at various Black-owned establishments.
From boutiques to restaurants, the tour encourages participants to shop locally and strengthen the economic fabric of their community.
"Fifty people coming in one bus, sometimes two buses, sometimes three buses, sometimes up to five, six buses of people wanting to purchase their wares," Lowe explained.
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Further activism
Lowe didn't stop there. She also launched "Tea and Conversation," a monthly political forum where community members and leaders gather to discuss issues that matter most.

'Tea & Conversations' which is hosted by Lowe to encourage African Americans' involvement in politics.
"Being able to bring community issues in a space, and we hash it out, everyone has an opinion on it, and you're not charged for your opinion," Lowe said.
Lowe's legacy
Big picture view:
Her journey from health care to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of vision and action.
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"I hope that my legacy will be that we continue to lift up the African-American businesses and that they will never be lost," Lowe said.

A Black Business Bus Tour in a previous year.
Lowe's work serves as a shining example of how one person's passion can create a lasting change, making her a true community hero.
This year, the bus tour will be on April 19.
For more information on the Black Business Bus Tour and Tea and Conversation visit, click here.
The Source: FOX 13's Mark Wilson collected the information in this story.
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