Why we should all support Black businesses during Black August
The director shares the importance of Black businesses and why Black businesses continue to thrive today.
August is an important month in Black History, representing both Black Philanthropy and Black Business Month. Black businesses are at the epicenter of sustaining Black communities and neighborhoods, accounting for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses. Black Business Month was founded in 2004 to “drive the policy agenda affecting the 2.6 million African American businesses.”
Historically, Black business have thrived in America through the years despite blatant acts of racism and discriminatory practices. The Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, also known as Black Wall Street, was a self-sufficient business district that was rich with culture and energy. Following the Tulsa massacre in 1921, Black Wall Street was almost destroyed by hate during its peak prosperity. However, the community of Greenwood joined together to rebuild the area and 88 Black businesses opened the very next year in 1922.
Black Owned Business during Black Wall Street days of Tulsa. Courtesy of Greenwood Cultural Center
During this month, I am also reminded of the comprehensive guide that Victor Hugo, a New York mailman, created in 1936, to help Black travelers maneuver in a segregated world. The infamous Green Book listed barbershops, hotels, restaurants, and more so that Black people could travel with a bit more ease and less fear. The Green Book also listed Black-owned businesses and grew exponentially over the years. The Green Book chronicled businesses and establishments all over the country.
The Negro Travelers’ Green Book, Fall 1956. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division, The New York Public Library. Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute
Black people have always found a way to thrive despite discrimation, segregation, and violent attempts to erase a vibrant, bold, beautiful history of community and economic success. While there are systems that seek to disqualify Black people from starting business, such as getting qualified for loans or approved for leasing spaces, there has always been an understanding that “each one, teach one” will prevail, especially as we work together. This value is integrated into the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Many Black-owned consumer cooperatives were established at the end of the 19th Century and the first half of the 20th such grocery stores, gas stations, credit unions, insurance co-ops, and some housing co-ops. In 1907, W. E. B. Du Bois held a conference on cooperatives and listed 154 current African American co-ops. This month, I also think about those small, Black-owned neighborhood stores from my childhood. Black businesses are an essential part of the fabric of American society.
In order for Black businesses to thrive, WE must collectively support and shop Black businesses. This August, discover the strength and value that Black businesses offer to your community. Shop, highlight, share and tell a friend about a new Black-owned business that you learned about or recently supported. Use the Northwest African American Museum’s Black business directory. We invite you to #ShopBlack this month as we elevate Black Business Month.
