This August kicks off National Black Business Month 2023 across the nation. Celebrate black culture, support black businesses, and educate others. The expansive black community in Detroit is here to empower the economic growth of the city as well as elevate the voices of motivating individuals. Not to mention, keep the rich history alive as well as sustaining the health & safety of Detroiters.
Black Business Month in Detroit is so important that the city takes time and effort to organize events throughout the year. Small Business Saturday and the holidays are also a great time to take action and shop local Detroit favorites as well as new stores.
Detroitisit rounded up an informative list of ways to support black businesses in Detroit this Black Business Month. Keep the activism in Detroit strong! It’s great if you already do these, but we’re here to amplify voices and increase opportunities for a brighter future.
TY LOGAN AND ANTHONY BROCK JR. MODELING FOR K. WALKER COLLECTIVE, PHOTO @KWALKERCO ON INSTAGRAM
SHOP LOCAL
Shopping in Detroit is an easy way to support the community this Black Business Month in Detroit. It’s also more exciting now with the plethora of unique small businesses opening up and the multiple pop-ups that champion local talent and small business owners, several of which are Black business owners. African American entrepreneurs in Detroit are a great focus, but you can extend the love to any in Michigan, and the rest of the U.S! Take a look at our previous articles to get an idea of where to shop.
- Need help finding Black Businesses? Click HERE to view WeBuyBlack (WBB), the largest Black-owned business marketplace. Click HERE to view The Hustle’s website, which is a recently-formed program celebrating the city’s African American entrepreneurs.
STAY INFORMED
Stay up to speed on the latest news surrounding the city of Detroit’s black-led businesses and non-profit organizations! Did you know that in February 2022, three black business groups joined forces to form Detroit United Front? The National Business League, the Detroit Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Booker T. Washington Trade Association are working together to combat systemic economic inequality and exclusion in the city of Detroit.
USE YOUR VOICE
PHOTO ABAYIOMI AZIKIWE / MLK DAY DETROIT ON FACEBOOK
Use any platform to help make an impact this National Black Business Month in Detroit. A simple social media post/story can go a long way, plus it’ll make someone’s day! Spreading the word in the digital age is a fast way to inform people. Attending educational events is another way to speak out. Tell your friends and family that Detroit is it! Bring people together in a fun and organized way if you feel inclined to start something new.
DOPE TOO, LLC., PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI
ATTEND AN EVENT
Going off of the last idea, this National Black Business Month is the time to take your support to the streets by attending in-person events in Detroit. The Detroit Historical Society (located at 5401 Woodward Ave.) recently hosted an event on Sunday, August 13, 2023 that presented two panel discussions that featured honorees from The Hustle, which continues to celebrate underserved black businesses. Attending a pop-up shop can also count!
EDUCATE
This supportive guide for National Black Business Month in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without the educational aspect! Take time this month to learn more about the struggles Black entrepreneurs in the U.S. continue to face as well as the challenges occurring locally. Educating encompasses a little bit of everything we’ve mentioned. Once you’re educated, you’re able to spread knowledge and advocate to create a ripple effect. Click HERE to view the Black Business Alliance’s website and Click HERE to view the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance’s website to see how they’re helping to make a huge financial impact on the community.
MARIO MOORE PAINTING AT THE DIA, PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI
TAKE A TOUR OF DETROIT
At the very least, you can take a tour of the city of Detroit this month. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a visitor, or a new transit, the city has stories to tell. Detroit’s historical gems are divinely spread throughout the city. Explore on your own and/or be guided to create a deeper understanding.
- While Detroit remains a majority-Black city, the African American population fell in 2020, according to U.S. Census population results for 2020. People love Detroit for many reasons, some of which include Motown, resilience, diversity, and cultural arts scene. Let’s keep showing off what the city is made of!
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