Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
This week we are hearing from Danielle Neal, Clapham’s Operations Manager. She gives a personal approach of the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and sharing Black stories. Read below and find a business she lists to support!
When I was in elementary school, my parents introduced my sisters and I to Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. We would stand in the long line, grab our chili dogs and fries, and look at all the pictures on the wall of all the famous Black people who have visited the restaurant. From Serena Williams to former President Obama, Ben’s Chilli Bowl has been a statement for business nationally but also historically in D.C. It brought joy knowing people were learning more about Black-owned places in their area and could come together this way.
What does it mean to support Black owned businesses? We at Clapham have been asking ourselves this question. Over the course of the pandemic, Black businesses struggled to maintain a steady income. Businesses were twice as likely to close than their white counterparts. With a decline of sales by 44%, it was one of the largest income drops on record. The national conversation about racial justice has shown the importance of supporting Black-owned establishments. According to Yelp, there has been an increase in searches for “Black-owned” by 7,043 percent. With this type of effect causing people to be aware and more supportive of brands, we are challenged to think where we spend our money and how to support businesses who are local or national. The 15 Percent Pledge has challenged major retailers to dedicate 15% of their spending to Black owned businesses. (Their pledge also extends to household spending - you can sign the pledge here.) Donating and supporting helps continue the work for Black-owned businesses which overtime will “change the trajectories for businesses across the country and to funnel billions back into the Black community”.
For those in the D.C. area, I have created a mini list of businesses to begin and continue supporting:
Start the day with a cup of coffee at either Cameron Cafe or Cafe du Soleil in Alexandria. If you prefer energy from non-caffeinated drinks, grab a smoothie or fresh juice from Turning Natural or Bar + Bean located both in. D.C. Pick up a book to read from Mahogany Books or Loyalty Books in Washington, D.C. And, end the day with a meal from Magnolia on King or Milk & Honey. These are a few of my favorites, but check out this resource to find a restaurant or business near you.
Owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl at the 61st Anniversary
Clapham has recently been in conversation with Jonathan Tremaine (JT) Thomas, founder of the organization Civil Righteousness. Civil Righteousness is a movement built around a Biblically based approach to racial reconciliation. JT was on the ground in Ferguson in 2014 (where the idea for Civil Righteousness was born) and in Minneapolis last spring, praying with protestors and leading hard conversations about reconciliation. JT believes that Christians need to be at the forefront of conversations about systemic racism and injustice. We’re grateful to learn from JT and partner with the work of Civil Righteousness. JT’s vision for bringing diverse people to the table together extends to his newest venture, Soul Coffee Roasters, a roaster & cafe in downtown Ferguson. Their online platform has a beautiful mission of connecting people virtually, and we can also say with confidence -- this is some GOOD coffee!
Supporting Black-owned does not only mean financially, it includes learning about the lives and history of Black people. PBS is currently doing a two part documentary series, along with promoting the book about the history of the Black church called The Black Church: This our Story, This Is Our Song. Written and produced by Henry Louis Gates, Jr, this documentary focuses on Black evangelicalism, but also places the Black experience as a part of American history. Watching and learning is another way to support Black people if financially is not an option. Being aware of these stories focuses on the contributions of Black people throughout history and how the past continues to show up in today’s society. What is beautiful about this documentary is how it shows the continuation of influence from the early Black churches to modern soul, pop, and R&B.
Excerpt from The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song
A friend of Clapham’s, Joel Freeman, has partnered with Dr. Walter Milton to produce a comprehensive and possibly definitive Black History 365 textbook that explores not just the role of the Black Church, but virtually every other aspect of Black history and life. Just released this month is a companion album by legendary rapper and artist Khao called BH365 that expands the conversation through the medium of music and powerful HipHop and Rap featuring MrkSx, Beat Champ, Hunnit Hersh, Jey Suade, J Morris and others.
Buying from Black-owned businesses is a small but effective way to continue to support the Black community. This goes beyond Black History Month. If searching online, Google has begun labeling Black-owned businesses with a purple heart to make it easier to find. Shopping from larger corporations have been accustomed, but consider buying from minority brands for what it means for the owner. When buying from smaller Black-owned brands, there is favor in place for them to become a better business and sharing a bit of their story within their brand as well.