National Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight

Business owner, author, and philanthropist – Meet Zontaye Richardson

This year I have had the great pleasure of recognizing some great women philanthropists. This month, in recognition of National Black Philanthropy Month, I will be highlighting some great women and men philanthropists in the Dayton area and some beyond. Today I am starting with Zontaye Richardson.

For years, the only thing I celebrated in August was my husband’s and best friend's birthday. Then three years ago, I heard about National Black Business Month. I had no idea such a month existed. I loved it. The first year, I hosted a month of Black Business Bingo to encourage patronage of black businesses. The next year, I had the opportunity to work with Zontaye Richardson to host a Black Business Bus Tour. It was the absolute best day-long event ever.

More than 20 businesses were highlighted during the tour. From West Dayton to Centerville, riders were treated to great deals, food, and businesses.

However, this is what Zontaye Richardson does. She creates, innovates, and elevates.

In business, she opened the only thrift store in West Dayton Ohio. A lifelong thrifter when she learned that some of her beloved thrifting businesses were not interested in opening a location in her community where the majority of residents are black and brown, she opened one herself.

When the pandemic hit, she shifted from in-store sales to online sales. With her goods now being sold across the United States and beyond, her online business grew by leaps and bounds.

Ms. Richardson added to her business portfolio with the opening of On The Horizons Human Services, which provides services for individuals who live with their families and need respite through Homemaker Personal Care Services.

Now that I have shared a bit about Ms. Richardson as an extraordinary businessperson it is time you heard more about her as an extraordinary philanthropist.

One of Ms. Richardson's goals with each business is to provide access to clothing for people in need. Organizations like House of Bread and the Wesley Center, where Ms. Richardson served on the board of both, have benefited from her generosity.

Additionally, for several years, Ms. Richardson hosted a pamper day for breast cancer survivors, offered space in her store for meetings for start-up nonprofits, and hosted special fundraisers for various nonprofits.

She recently acquired a mobile bus that will be transformed into a mobile boutique that can travel to various locations to sell clothes and give clothes away. Ms. Richardson is truly a woman on the rise.

Oh, and did I mention that she is an author? Yes, she is. Read more about her book It's More Than Clothing, her newest business venture On The Horizons Human Services and consider supporting her favorite charity House of Bread in Dayton Ohio.?