After the murder of George Floyd this summer, tons of people turned to Black-owned businesses to reaffirm the importance of Black economic empowerment. For weeks, leaders renewed their calls for us to invest in Black-owned banks, and customer orders inundated our favorite Black-owned brands. Major publications compiled lists of Black-owned products, and prominent companies denounced racist caricatures.
As the year wanes, folks seem less committed to finding Black-owned alternatives to supply their consumption needs. This is especially concerning because many Black-owned businesses struggle to endure the COVID-19 pandemic (imagine juggling racism, oppression, and a public health crisis?!).
I encourage us all to revisit our commitment to regularly supporting Black-owned businesses. The possibilities are endless. On Oprah’s 2020 Favorite Things list, 50 of the 72 products featured were either Black-owned or Black-led. Beyoncé’s Black Parade initiative also highlights hundreds of Black-owned businesses across the diaspora. And the Black-owned businesses outside of the national spotlight–those local businesses in your own backyard–need your support too.
Let’s not wait until the next tragedy to #BuyBlack. It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
