In light of the failure to indite killer cops Darren Wilson and Daniel Pantaleo (who murdered Michael Brown and Eric Garner, respectively) many people feel as though we need a new civil rights movement. Like any socio-political movement, a multi tiered strategy that affects all levels of society will make the most impact. In my opinion, one of the areas we need to target is the economy.
Black Americans have over $1 billion dollars in purchasing power. Too often we are giving our money to big box stores owned by corporations that lobby for laws that are against the best interests of our communities. I personally think we need to stop supporting this corporations and invest more of our money into black owned businesses.
This is challenging because capitalism is so invasive - extremely large corporations own several smaller stores and most times we don't even know it. Combine that with our consumer culture that emphasizes instant gratification at low cost and it seems painfully impossible to only buy from smaller black owned businesses.
I believe the best way is to start small and increase the number of black owned business you support over time. This is why I am supporting #BlackBusinessFriday. it's a day of the week when we go out of our way to support our own restaurants, delis, nail salons, bars and shops.
This weeks's post focuses on black owned restaurants and dining establishments. Here is a list of businesses in Philadelphia you should consider supporting:
Mt Airy Deli
Ms Tootsies Restaurant
Jamaican Jerk Hut
Brown Betty Bakery
This list is short because I don't eat out very much unless it's for business. Also don't forget the local bodegas owned by black Latinos. And, if you can't spend your money at a black owned business, consider spending it at a small business that employees a good number of black people.
Next weeks posts will be on black owned businesses that provide personal health and beauty items (including online merchants.) I promise the list will be longer and more inspiring!
Please leave the name and location of any black owned eating establishments in the comments section!
