Buying Black is a Political Act

Buying Black as a political statement is a concept that always exists in some form or fashion, though, like most things, it seems to come in waves.Currently, we are in one of its longest sustained waves since the late 60’s and early 70’s. And it should be. The invention of social media, camera phones and the speed in which information travels has re-energized a generation. The fight for control over our lives and the desire to hold capitalism just as accountable as the political structure has helped to begin to galvanize parts of the black community. That includes supporting people who look like you and have similar cultural experiences. Buying Black cannot be a part of the solution if it is not a sustained behavior. (It is important to note that capitalism is not “The savior” of the black community either, but it should be a part of a larger strategy.) Today, armed with history, social media, and a lowering to the barrier to entry in many industries because of technology, supporting entrepreneurship and black owned businesses is more than just a trend.
The Buy Black movement has its roots in the struggle for civil rights
The Buy Black movement has its roots in the struggle for civil rights and economic empowerment in the Black community. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, activists called for the development of a Black economy as a means of challenging systemic racism and promoting self-determination. From Stokely Carmichael and MLK to Ella Baker, black leaders believed that our communities needed to have power and economic power and social capital were correlated. This movement led to the creation of Black-owned businesses, including banks, grocery stores, and other enterprises that served their communities. In recent years, the movement has gained renewed attention as a means of addressing stubbornly persistent economic inequality, promoting the development of a more sustainable Black economy, and as a way to take back power from corporations and the government.

Supporting Black-owned businesses can have a significant impact on the economy, not only through job creation but also in promoting the accumulation of wealth within Black communities. Historically, systemic racism has limited Black economic power, resulting in significant wealth disparities between Black and white Americans. Wealth is not only important for individual financial security but also for community development and social mobility. When Black individuals and communities have access to wealth, they are better able to invest in education, housing, and other assets that promote long-term economic stability.This extends from local public schools which derive most of their budgets from property taxes to the ability of Black Americans to achieve higher education, and the ability to invest. Additionally, wealth can provide a safety net during times of economic hardship, such as job loss or illness. By promoting wealth creation in the Black community, we can begin to address the economic inequality that has persisted for generations and promote greater social and economic mobility for all Black Americans.
Building stronger communities is one of the goals that is expected
Building stronger communities is one of the goals that is expected from the support of Black Owned Businesses. This promotes economic development by increasing the circulation of money within the Black community. In turn,this helps to create more jobs and support for other local businesses, leading to a more vibrant local economy. It also provides a sense of pride and ownership within the community. When people feel invested in the success of local businesses, they also take ownership in the community and are more likely to participate in community events and take an active role in community building.Additionally, supporting Black-owned businesses fosters a sense of community among Black entrepreneurs, who share knowledge, resources, and support to help each other succeed. By working together, Black-owned businesses can create a more sustainable and equitable economic system, building stronger communities in the process.

Supporting Black Owned Businesses on an ongoing basis is an important tool in the fight for equality. One of the ways to work to address systematic racism is with some sort of economic empowerment. This can be used to fund candidates, policies and studies to provide solutions to issues that face the African American Community. It can provide greater access to systems and resources to help support the community at large. To do that, black owned businesses need to be supported on an ongoing basis. This allows them to make plans, investments, and grow roots within the community. They also can become pillars of the community around which they can rally and find motivation and pride.