By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher/
It’s that time of year again—the holiday shopping season is in full swing. While many will be gearing up for traditional Black Friday sales and other major shopping days, I challenge you to think differently this year. Let’s turn Black Friday into Black-Owned Business Friday and focus on supporting Black entrepreneurs throughout the holiday season.
Every year, OhioMBE issues a Holiday Shopping Challenge, encouraging our readers to direct their spending power toward Black-owned businesses. This year, we’re asking you to pledge at least $50 to a Black-owned business. Together, we can make a powerful impact on our community.
Why Shop Black-Owned?
- Strengthen Our Communities
When we spend within our community, those dollars are reinvested into local neighborhoods. Supporting Black-owned businesses helps create jobs, fund community programs, and uplift families. - Celebrate Black Innovation and Excellence
Black entrepreneurs bring unique products, services, and perspectives to the marketplace. By shopping with them, you’re valuing the creativity, innovation, and hard work they bring to their industries. - Economic Empowerment
Our dollars have power. Redirecting them to Black-owned businesses helps close the racial wealth gap and builds generational wealth within our communities. - Promote Economic Equity
Black businesses often face systemic barriers, such as lack of access to capital and resources. Your support helps level the playing field and ensures these businesses can thrive. - Support Local and Sustainable Growth
Many Black-owned businesses are small, local operations. By shopping with them, you’re investing in sustainable growth and the entrepreneurs building the future of our economy.
This holiday season, let’s be intentional about where we spend our dollars. By supporting Black-owned businesses, we’re not just buying gifts—we’re making a statement about our values and commitment to our community.
Take the OhioMBE Holiday Shopping Challenge. Find Black-owned businesses, whether online or in person, and share your experience with us. Don’t know where to start? Shop with the businesses listed in the OhioMBE Holiday Shopping Guide at OhioMBE.com! Our guide features a variety of Black-owned businesses offering unique products and services for everyone on your holiday list.
Want your business featured in the guide?
There’s still time to join! Email us at news@ohiombe.com for details and be part of this impactful initiative.
Let’s make every dollar count this holiday season. Shop Black. Spend smart. Build community.
