#BlackBusinessesMatter — This New App Helps You Support Black Owned Businesses
#BlackGirlMagic, #BlackExcellence, #BlackLivesMatter, #BuyBlack, and #BlackBusinessesMatter are all movements for the Black race that were created in response to the violence, discrimination, and a lack of opportunities in the Black community. While the number of black-owned businesses in America has risen, it still only represents a small proportion of the total revenue generated by American businesses. Even more, the money that is made by other businesses doesn’t always go back to the Black community. Looking back at my childhood, I can count on one hand at how many times Black businesses in my neighborhood were able to flourish. Black businesses need your support (and your money).
Too often, we spend more money at non-Black businesses, but then wonder why our race and communities are not financially thriving like others. We try to blame it on the government or “the man,” especially during precious moments, but honestly it is up to us to help our economic state. While we are boycotting the Oscars (#OscarsSoWhite) or boycotting the unfortunate events that happen to our own people, we have to remember the critical role that economic growth and stability have on our race and communities. In order for the Black community to thrive, we have to do more than practice social resistance to discrimination and racism — we must also empower our people and their businesses.
As it can be inferred from the speech by Jada Pinkett regarding the Oscars, “It is time that people of color recognize how much power and influence that we have amassed that we no longer need to ask to be invited anywhere.” You can take this quote from Jada and tie it in with the Black community supporting Black businesses. In the Black race, there are so many people with genius ideas and products that could benefit from more support — and we could benefit from their products. For some small, Black businesses, they may not have the strongest online presence so when searching online, it may be difficult for potential consumers to locate a Black owned business.
With the new app by Brian A.M. Williams, finding Black businesses to support has become a lot easier. This app, which is a spin-off from the Purchase Black website, can help customers locate black-owned businesses, buy products, and can also provide product reviews on businesses through social media. With the easy integration of connecting social media through the Purchase Black app, it helps encourage exposure of Black-owned businesses that are typically not thought of. Through Purchase Black, a consumer can buy everything from apparel, to accessories, to beauty products, and books. You can download the app on Android and iOs, and can also view it from your desktop computer.
Brian, a UT Austin MBA recipient said in an interview, “PurchaseBlack.com is bridging the gap between Black online customers, and a wide array of African American focused businesses. To attract more Black owned & Black servicing businesses, we are giving them webstores, complete with their own web address, for free, and only charging a commission after the business actually makes money on our platform!”
If you are a Black, small business owner and would like to sell your products through Purchase Black, please note that selling with Purchase Black is by invite only. If you would like to request an invitation, you can do so by filling out a quick, online form. If you know of an awesome Black business and would like to recommend them, you can do so by filling out the suggested business form online.
