ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on cooperative economic development strategies for urban communities, particularly in African American communities, among youth. It explores ways that these practices impact and interact with social entrepreneurship, schooling, civic participation and environmental justice. The chapter also illustrates ways that cooperative ownership of social enterprises addresses multiple needs and provides a variety of positive impacts on individuals and communities. Community economic development, community business ownership, cooperative economic and social entrepreneurship are rarely part of the public debate but are strategies being practiced around the world, and by marginalized groups, with some good results. Pooling of resources, democratic decision making, profit sharing and a sense of community well-being are features of cooperative economic development that strengthen communities. Engaging students in cooperatively owned businesses motivates and excites them and often encourages them to further their education. Through school-based cooperative economic experiences, young people can become active participants in democratic enterprises and civil society.
