Black Business IS your business.
No matter your perspective, we can all agree — these are truly unprecedented times that we have never seen and (hopefully) will ever experience again. The current events seemed like a series of never-ending blows to everyone. All industries and services were affected. The COVID-19 pandemic stopped small businesses in their tracks. As the nation slowly recovered from the effects of business closures and stay-at-home orders, more disruption arose with national outrage over George Floyd and police brutality. National protests spilled over into riots resulting into more business closures and in some cases, property damage.
These issues, combined with many proposed government funds not reaching minority-owned businesses, made recovery more difficult, if not impossible. Before we realized it our economy and small business was in trouble. Black-owned businesses were in even MORE trouble.
Almost overnight, the push to advocate for Black-owned business began.
National companies such as Amazon, Nike, Netflix and Levi Strauss began to speak out about the importance of sustaining Black-owned Businesses. In addition, national initiatives are being proposed to designated 15% of their store shelves to Black-owned businesses, Lowe’s will donate over $25 million dollars to minority businesses and national companies used their platforms to raise awareness about systemic racism and donated to more Black-owned Businesses.
So, that leaves one thinking: What can I do as a consumer to support Black-owned businesses? How can I help?
The process isn’t as hard as you think. It begins with educating yourself, showing up, and paying up — both locally and nationally.
Find local businesses in your area. The Real Black Friday, The Cleveland Bucket List, I Buy Black.org are just a few ways to find are a few resources to find black businesses to support in your area. Additionally, mobile apps such as LOKUL and Bburb make it easy to find local Black-owned businesses. Yelp has even added a search tool for Black-owned businesses.
Order online. Like most businesses, many are keeping limited hours and have moved several products and services online as a way to continue to generate revenue during this time. Check out their website and your support is just a click away. When all else fails, order a gift card!
Call THEM directly. Skip third-party sites such as Grubhub and Uber Eats when ordering online. These companies charge fees that cut into the business’s profits. Although it may be a little less techie, the online order will be gladly accepted and much appreciated during these times.
Spread the word. Tell everyone you know why this Black-owned business is great and worth their support. Post a review, tag a few pics and telling a friend all goes a long way to bring awareness to your favorite business. Using social media to tag your new hot spot is the quickest way to spread the word!
Share information. Most business owners are working hard with their heads buried in work. Take a moment to share of any opportunities, grant programs or other helpful information you may find.
Advocating for Black Owned Businesses is not a trend. It’s a necessity.
Support today and support tomorrow. Your community will thank you.
And I will thank you.
About the writer: Dru Thompson is a fashion designer who owns and operates Dru Christine Fabrics and Design, a design studio located in Lake Affect Studios in the Superior Arts District. Through community involvement, Thompson has firmly established herself in the arts and fashion community as a writer, educator at the Cleveland School of the Arts, and mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs. To learn more about the design, visit druchristine.com, on Instagram @druchristine, Twitter @druchristine and Facebook Dru Christine Fabrics and Design.