As if the economic shutdown from the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, many black small business owners are now having to contend with damage from the protest. Here’s what you can do to help.
As if the economic shutdown from the pandemic wasn’t hard enough. Now, many black-owned small business owners may also be dealing with damage incurred duringprotests of the police killing of George Floyd.
Even in normal times, black-owned small businesses often are more vulnerable financially than others, with smaller cash reserves to survive tough times. And now times couldn’t be tougher — black-owned businesses are in jeopardy on every front.
Want to help? Here are a fewways.
Become a customer
The most obvious and critical way to help them survive, of course, is to buy their products and services. Shop and eat at black-owned establishments, and buy gift cards for your friends and family to spendat your favorite ones.
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In honor of Juneteenth, which commemorates the ending of slavery and falls on June 19, take advantage of special opportunities. Memphis-based event planner Cynthia Daniels has created a site to let you shop online at 100 black-owned businesses across 20 cities. Shopping starts Friday morning and will run through noon CST Monday. Daniels plans to make Juneteenth Shop Black an annual event.
To find other businesses that are black-owned near you, there are directories, suchasthis one from Dobobo. You might also check the list of members at your local black or African-American Chamber of Commerce.
«Now is the time for Americans to demonstrate they really appreciate inclusion. Spend money on less fortunate and disadvantaged businesses, where it can have an immediate impact. Be conscious where you’re spending your money,» said Kenneth Kelly, chairman of the National Bankers Association, a voice for minority banks aiming to help revitalize economies in underserved areas.
