The ultimate goal is not just for Black Friday but every Friday.
Chicago is encouraging its residents to support Black-owned businesses during the nation’s biggest shopping holiday with a BlackShopFriday project. The City of Chicago has partnered with the Chicago Urban League in a bid to encourage people to buy online or order from restaurants that are owned by Black entrepreneurs. An online directory of more than 500 Black-owned businesses launched on November 24 at BlackShopFriday.com and will be updated consistently throughout the coming days to continue shining a light on amazing Black businesses throughout Chicago.
“The Chicago Urban League joined with the City of Chicago and Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul to announce the launch of Black Shop Friday, a campaign encouraging Chicagoans to shop at Black-owned businesses on November 27. pic.twitter.com/7SuNeBMVz4
— Chicago Urban League (@ChiUrbanLeague) November 17, 2020
The initiative has been continuously backed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot who said “This inspiring partnership allows Chicagoans to discover the hundreds of Black-owned businesses in our city, driving the investment dollars that are needed now more than ever.” The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc across the nation and shops and restaurants have struggled with fluctuating rules and regulations throughout the year.
Chicagoans will have the opportunity to support over 500 Black-owned businesses in the city for #BlackShopFriday. These small businesses need our support now more than ever. Head to https://t.co/009aRaKvkp on 11/24 for more! pic.twitter.com/FPHqQ8AHiw
— Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) November 17, 2020
With less access to capital Black-owned businesses have suffered more than most said the president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, Karen Freeman-Wilson. In a 2019 State of Black Chicago Report, the Chicago Urban League analyzed U.S. Census data that showed Black-owned businesses all across Illinois have fewer employees and below-average sales receipts highlighting the ongoing racial wealth gap.
Chicago Urban League, an advocacy group founded in 1916 as an affiliate of the National Urban League, worked with Chicago and the advertising agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul to create and develop the initiative.
[Feature Image of Momentum Coffee from BlackShopFriday.com]