On top of the present epidemic situation, 2020 seems to mock us as some still pretend/choose to ignore the racial inequalities we see and hear about in the United States, France or elsewhere. Grown globally due to the protests around the world, Black Lives Matter is the current hot topic. In my opinion, we all need to step up to it and turn this trend into something more real, more impactful. Let’s join the “Buy Black” initiative, consume black and invest sustainably in Black-Owned Businesses (BOB).
The Buy Black initiative in France
For anyone supporting Black Lives Matter (which isn’t that hard to do), you can do more than just using black squares on your social media. You can give strength to BOB or buy black in your country.
The “Buy Black” initiative along with the whole “Black-Owned Businesses” support was born in the USA. The objective is simple: supporting businesses created by black people and therefore consuming and buying black.
By doing so, we help make up for the racial gap, strengthen local economies, boost job creation, celebrate black culture and most importantly, make the other businesses – those that don’t do better – aware of their responsibilities.
The movement is not as popular in France, although it has recently increased due to the Georges Floyd case. At the time, the Nofi brand had launched lobbynoir, their dedicated application to referencing companies created by Afro-descendants. However, being less visible, they are still difficult to find in France, especially because ethnic statistics are prohibited.
How to support Black French businesses?
First of all, Buy Black is a universal movement. Regardless of your origin or the colour of your skin, wondering how you can contribute, you need to understand that making a real impact will take as many people as possible for as long as possible/needed.
There is more than one way to contribute to the success of Black French businesses:
- Buy their products or services (without asking for a discount)
- Do voluntary work (ask them to help for free)
- Follow them on social media
- Make a donation (if you really don’t have the time)
- Subscribe to their newsletters
- Write positive reviews for their services
- Recommend them to your network
- Invest in them, sponsor them or establish partnerships with them
Buy Black can indirectly improve the life of the black community. That said, supporting the movement doesn’t necessarily mean neglecting your favorite brands. Rather, it is about being more thorough in choosing which brands are worth your money. We deserve companies that show real diversity in their boards, their employees, their products. There are many BOB that can meet your needs and deserve your support.
Resources for finding Black Businesses in France and elsewhere
To better “buy black”, the black community must do more to better inform the international Afro-descendant diaspora. I have listed below sites and apps that allow you to find BOB in France and around the world. That list is non-exhaustive . If you know others, please, let me know so I/we can expand it.
On Instagram, you can follow #SupportBlackBusiness, #SupportBlackArt, #ShareBlackStories as they post regularly on the topic. Otherwise, the following sites refer to businesses started by black people.
Lobbynoir (France)
BlackOwnedBusinessFrance (France)
Afropreunariat.net (France)
Nofi – Entreprenariat (France)
Jeconsommenoir (France)
Je consomme Africain (France)
Black Business Support (BBS) (France)
African Doers (France)
Support Black Owned (monde)
Black Nation (U.S)
Black Owned Toronto (Canada)
Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (Canada)
UK Black Owned Businesses (England)
Black Owned Belgium (Belgium)
Black Brown Berlin (Germany)
Skinimin (Australia)
Official Black Wall street (U.S)
Chez Nous Guide (U.S)
I Am Black Business (U.S)
AfroMagazine (Netherlands)
Do you know any others? Let us know their names in the comments.
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