August is National Black Business Month, created back in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Federick E. Jordan, Sr. This annual celebration was created to celebrate the economic contributions that Black businesses have offered since the beginning of time.
According to National Today:
“Approximately 10% of all American businesses are black-owned, and if we look at what statistics say about minority-owned businesses, about 30% of these would belong to black business owners. The primary sectors in which black-owned businesses operate include health care, social work, repair and maintenance, beauty salons, restaurants, and more. Black businesses across the country are booming and on the rise, with Washington D.C. having the highest ratio of black-owned businesses, a whopping 28%.”
How can you offer your support?
It is not enough to know that this month exists; action should be taken. Here are some ideas for how you can use this month to uplift Black business:
Buy the things.
Black-owned businesses offer a variety of items to consume. They offer services as well! Do some research. Find local Black-owned businesses (or ones that are online) to spend your dollars at.
Commit to learning.
Find causes that support Black-owned businesses; the NAACP and the Small Business Administration are great places to start. These organizations have tangible ways they offer resources to Black-owned businesses that help them scale and become successful.
Interact on social media.
It doesn’t cost a thing to share, like, and comment under someone’s business. In our day of technology, it is all about the algorithm! The more businesses are shared, the more eyes can come to them and possibly generate business.
Share your stories.
Shared experiences are important to build community. Talk to your community about a time you had a wonderful experience with a Black business.
Some of My Favorite Black-Owned Businesses
Something I take pride in is supporting Black-owned businesses as much as possible. Everyone wants to be able to see themselves in their work, their community, and when they shop! Here are a few of my favorite Black-owned brands and businesses that I encourage you all to try this month.
Be Rooted
Found in your local Target, founder Jasmine Foster has all your planner needs to stay organized! She provides the most lovely and inclusive planners. It doesn’t stop there, though–Be Rooted also offers home goods and materials to elevate your office space!
Fancy Homebody
I fell in love with this brand in the middle of the pandemic. Founder Vanessa Bouies offers a chic and comfortable take on fashion. My favorite pieces are her luxurious robe, and the most comfy and fashionable short set. I can wear it lounging around the house or when I go out to run errands.
FBF Body
When you see me out and about, especially in the gym, there’s a 10 out of 10 chance you will see me in FBF apparel! Founder Zakia Blain says that she sells confidence–and she is not wrong! When I wear her brand, I feel good about myself and how I look. FBF is known for their signature shapewear and athleisure wear. I am not biased when I say she has the BEST leggings that are NEVER see-through and have great compression.
Glam-Aholic
Born and raised in Detroit, MiaRay is a pinnacle for Black excellence. She has been highlighted locally and in Forbes magazine. She started with a blog that soon expanded and is now the multi-million dollar brand, Glam-Aholic.
Glam-Aholic offers a luxury experience for the everyday girl. They offer a variety of hand bags, travel sets, cosmetic bags, and more. The cosmetic bag is my favorite because it was created in a collaboration with another successful Black-owned business, The Lip Bar.
Source Booksellers | Detroit
Janet Webster Jones is a jewel in the Detroit community. The brick and mortar store, opened in 2002, houses much more than books. Visiting the bookstore is an enriching experience, and if you’re lucky you can attend a class or event that is sure to highlight the rich African history. They also offer online shopping that has helped expand their business.
The Lip Bar
Melissa Butler was rejected on live TV on Shark Tank in her pursuit to build her brand and business. The Lip Bar products are now housed in locations like CVS, Meijer, Target, and Walmart. She has one flagship store located in Downtown Detroit. She is known for her vegan-friendly beauty products and now, the five minute face. I am obsessed with every product. My favorite is the 3-in-1 tinted moisturizer!
These products just scratch the surface of what and how Black people show up in business. Black businesses are woven into the fabric of our country and should have the equity to thrive.
