How We Got Started
Our Story
BantuCola was established in November 2018 with a clear purpose: to strengthen and amplify Black-owned businesses across Northwest Florida. What began as a trusted source of business information quickly became a gateway, connecting the Black community to ownership, opportunity, and credible media representation.
Today, BantuCola stands as the largest Black Business Directory on the Gulf Coast and one of the only Black-owned media platforms spanning from Pensacola to Tallahassee. We exist to elevate Black businesses, share stories that matter, and provide a trusted voice for the community.
Founded by Chris Hendricks, BantuCola was built on the belief that collective economics create lasting power. Through the 1Kx20 model—mobilizing communities to intentionally support Black-owned businesses at scale—BantuCola put group economics into practice, not just theory.
In 2023, leadership was entrusted to Katrice Johnson, a seasoned business owner with over 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to economic development within the Black community. Under her stewardship, BantuCola has preserved its integrity while evolving into a new generation of opportunity—expanding access through business development, health education, media, branding, and strategic events.
BantuCola continues to grow as a living ecosystem—designed to serve, protect, and elevate Black businesses with intention, strategy, and collective power.
What Is Bantucola?
BantuCola is a living ecosystem rooted in identity, unity, and collective strength.
The name Bantu means “people” and traces back to the root language shared by many African tribes across the continent. It reflects a shared origin, a shared history, and a shared responsibility to one another. BantuCola was named to honor that connection—linking African Americans not by sameness, but by purpose.
Many Tribes. One Nation.
This is not a slogan. It is a commitment.
Why Bantucola?
BantuCola exists to ensure Black businesses and voices are not only seen—but positioned, protected, and amplified.
As the largest Black business directory on the Gulf Coast and a trusted Black-owned media platform, BantuCola reaches the community through digital media, social platforms, live experiences, and strategic convenings. We serve as a bridge—connecting business to community through group economics, education, advocacy, and intentional collaboration.
We do not simply share information.
We activate alignment.
We build access.
We strengthen legacy.
Our Belief System
Access Is Everything
Who you know matters, but who is willing to open doors matters more.
Ownership Is Non-Negotiable
We build for permanence, not trends.
Community Is Strategy
Collaboration is not optional; it is foundational.
Legacy Is the Goal
We measure success in generations, not quarters.
Our Focus Areas
BantuCola operates across seven interconnected pillars that support whole-community elevation:
Tribal Unity – strengthening collective identity and collaboration
Business Development & Economic Growth – building sustainable, owned enterprises
Healthcare – advancing education, access, and wellness
Education – cultivating knowledge and opportunity
Faith – honoring spiritual grounding and purpose
Self-Defense – supporting protection, awareness, and resilience
Diversity & Inclusion – preserving cultural heritage and identity
Together, these pillars form an ecosystem designed to elevate not just businesses—but people, families, and future generations.
Board Members
Ervin Byrd, President
Byrdzone
Ansumana Fortune, Vice President
A Fortune Builder, LLC
Willette Lamar, Treasurer
Owner of ATD Notary
Keisha Sutton Nettles, Secretary
Interns
The Tribe
Membership in BantuCola is about alignment, not numbers.
The Tribe is made up of business owners who understand that doing business together is not just powerful, it is necessary.
This is Business + Brotherhood/Sisterhood + Strategy.