The Legacy and Challenges of Black-Owned Businesses

The Legacy and Challenges of Black-Owned Businesses

We are Our Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams

Let’s take a moment of pause for Sonja Massey.

 

On the heels of yet another senseless death at the hands of those who are supposed to serve and protect, we usher in Black Business month a little weary. We come from a long line of entrepreneurs who have demonstrated incredible resilience and innovation. Even before the transatlantic slave trade brought our ancestors to the Americas, they were engaged in commerce and trade in their native lands. This deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit persisted through the hardships of enslavement and the challenges of segregation. As we mark Black Business Month, let’s honor this legacy by understanding the historical obstacles that Black-owned businesses have faced and exploring how we can actively support and uplift these enterprises today.

Early Black Businesses

Image of black woman laughing, with a black child holding a sign that says Don't Support the Greedy

After the Civil War, the first Black businesses began to emerge as formerly enslaved Africans sought economic independence. They started in Black communities where they could find support despite widespread racism. One early example includes the establishment of barbershops and beauty salons, which provided both services and a sense of community. Black entrepreneurs also founded mortuaries and banks (with several Black-owned banks still existing today). These early efforts created networks and organizations to support one another and laid the groundwork for future Black-owned businesses, like DEHIYA.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Formerly enslaved Black individuals were driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, seeking economic self-sufficiency and empowerment. During the Reconstruction era, progressive policies allowed them to acquire land and engage in commerce more freely. However, the advent of Jim Crow laws and segregation set back their progress.

Impact of George Floyd’s Death

Artistic painting of George Floyd

Image: Rogerio Pedro

Despite these challenges, Black entrepreneurs played a crucial role in building vibrant, self-sustaining Black communities. The killing of George Floyd in 2020 became a catalyst for renewed discussions about racial inequality and increased support for Black-owned businesses as part of a broader push for social and economic justice under the name Black Lives Matter (BLM). Much like the early Black business owners, the BLM movement’s push to support Black businesses echoed a similar sentiment of economic empowerment and resilience.

The Surge and Its Challenges

In the aftermath, many founders quit their full-time jobs, scaled their businesses, and secured long-term leases thanks to the heightened support. Black brands saw unprecedented visibility, with algorithms favoring their presence, increased press mentions, and interest from retailers who had previously ignored them.

However, sustaining this momentum has been challenging. While the surge in support was genuine, maintaining long-term engagement has proven difficult. Short-term commitments provided temporary boosts but didn’t address deeper systemic issues faced by Black businesses. Consequently, many Black businesses have had to close their doors, compounded by the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing recession.

How You Can Support Black Businesses

During Black Business Month—and every month—there are several ways you can make a difference:

  • Shop Black-Owned: Make a conscious effort to buy from Black-owned businesses, whether local shops, online stores, or service providers.
  • Spread the Word: Word-of-mouth is powerful. Write reviews, post about your purchases, and encourage others to support Black-owned businesses.
  • Leave Positive Reviews: Positive reviews can improve visibility and attract more customers, influencing others' choices.
  • Donate: Contribute to organizations and initiatives that support Black entrepreneurs and their business development. Look for nonprofits or community groups focused on economic empowerment. Also, support businesses that donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations advancing economic equity.

By taking these actions, you help support Black-owned businesses and contribute to their long-term success and stability.

Black-owned businesses we love: 

Consumables

Agencies

Skincare/Makeup

Wellness

Accessories

Clothing

Home Goods

Flowers

Blog Post Image: Stephanie Kenyaa Mzee

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