As Black History Month has passed, it serves as a reminder—a time for recognition and reflection on our collective journey. But where do we truly stand in this celebration? Are we genuinely supporting one another? Are we amplifying our own creativity? Are we intentionally using our financial resources to build and circulate wealth within our community?
These are critical questions we must ask ourselves.
Black people host countless events—but whose venues are we renting? Will those dollars circulate back into our communities? We proudly wear African clothing—but who are we buying from? Are we investing in our own artisans, or are we settling for cheap knockoffs while Black designers, retailers, and professionals struggle to stay afloat?
It’s time to open our eyes and recognize where we can make a difference. Our leaders must take an active role in guiding and connecting our people—through directories, referrals, and awareness campaigns—to keep Black businesses thriving.
A financial study once revealed how long a dollar circulates within different communities:
• Asian community: 30 days
• Jewish community: 20 days
• White community: 17 days
• Black community: 6 hours
Only 2% of our money makes its way back into our own community. How, then, can we ever break free from financial bondage?
African Americans consistently rank at the bottom of financial charts. While there are many contributing factors, one thing is within our control—we must support each other more consistently and intentionally.
