BHM: Supporting Black Businesses

Encouraging support of Black-owned businesses and putting a spotlight on the need for economic equality is always a key topic when it comes to Black History Month and racial justice — 2020 created an even more dire reality for the Black business community. In a report on the impact of the COVID crisis on small businesses, the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed:

“The number of African-American business owners plummeted from 1.1 million in February 2020 to 640,000 in April,” — that translates to about 41% of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. going under in the wake of COVID-19.”

In the wake of the current pandemic, now more than ever it is so important to recognize the struggles that Black businesspeople face: barriers to entry rooted in systemic racism, industry monopolies that swallow small owners, gentrification that limits expansion and sustainability — to name only a few. If you’re not sure how to support businesses who face these obstacles, here are some resources from us that might help to get you started! 

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• For our fellow Chicagoans: If you want more insight into how to support Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs of all different varieties right in your Chi Town backyard, check out Black Owned Chicago! 

• For our hand-made lovers: Looking for a gift for yourself or someone else? Or maybe you need some retail therapy… skip the big guys (Amazon is doing JUST fine) and try checking out Black artists and Black-owned shops on Etsy! 

• For our beauty junkies: Why not learn some new makeup tricks, or try out a new skin care regimen? Maybe it’ll come in handy when we can actually socialize again! Here are some recommendations from Queen Oprah herself. 

• For our music lovers: Dedicate your new music perusing to Black artists or playlists! If you need a place to start, check out Spotify’s Black History is Now campaign, where they are celebrating the contributions of Black artists to the music industry and global culture. 

• For our theatre nerds: 2020 was a tough year for our industry, but our theatres took (and continue to take) the brunt of the hit. Since we can’t yet buy tickets, consider donating to Black theatre companies and programs, either here in Chicago or across the country. 

IMAGE PULLED FROM APARTMENT THERAPY; ART BY D’ARA NAZARYAN

author: lara freeman-erbin