How to support Black businesses for real

I’m asking because Black business is a powerful way for Black people to create generational wealth for their communities. This is an essential part in the fight for financial stability, self-sufficiency, and advancement for Black people. Full stop.

These last few months, there have been a surge of infographics, Twitter threads, videos, and Instagram posts circulating in support of Black business. Grant programs for Black entrepreneurs started emerging, esteemed coaches offered free or discounted business advice and the overall support for Black businesses from people of every color was through the roof. 

But there’s just one problem…how do we make sure these efforts are not just a trend?

While sharing lists of Black businesses on your social media page is helpful because of free promotion, it’s important that we buy too. 

YES YOU. AND ME.  

If you’re like me, you probably bought yourself a lavender body scrub or finally ordered delivery from the local Black cafe that you’ve been meaning to try. These are all great, but the real question to ask yourself is: how can you show up and support on the regular? 

Think about the products you already buy and consider switching to a Black-owned business. Want to try a new face wash? Buy a Black-owned one. Looking for eco-based home cleaners? Look for a Black-owned company first. 

Make it a habit. Whenever you are getting ready to purchase something, quickly ask yourself  ‘wait, is there a Black-owned version of this?” 

And no, that doesn’t mean blindly buying products just because they’re Black-owned. 

Sometimes you’ll buy and sometimes you won’t and that’s okay. Supporting Black businesses for real (not just as a trend) means you are consistently making an effort to put action behind your words.

A minor shift in your mindset can make a world of difference.

So the next time you’re googling about sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrushes, tack on ‘Black-owned’ at the end and see what you find.

To more money in our pockets,

Chika

P.S. And yes, Black-owned sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrushes exist. Don’t believe me? Check out Go Natural Works Instagram page. Gotta stay fresh.