Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is one of many Black-owned businesses in Philadelphia. The comic books shop is owned by Ariell R. Johnson. Philadelphians are encouraged to buy from local Black-owned businesses every Friday this December

The City of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Visit Philadelphia, has declared that every Friday this December is "Shop Black Business Friday."

Majority leader of the City Council, Cherelle Parker, introduced the resolution.

"'Shop Black Business Friday' was born from the recognition that Black culture runs deep in Philadelphia," said Parker. "Black and brown-owned businesses contribute greatly to the fabric of our city, despite long-existing barriers entrepreneurs of color have faced in opening, operating and growing their businesses."

On Dec. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Philadelphians are encouraged to buy from local Black-owned businesses. Visit Philadelphia recently created a guide to more than 30 Black-owned shops and boutiques.

"With Black-owned businesses closing at nearly twice the rate of other businesses nationally, the promotional push is intended to help spark consumer sales and support the jobs, revenue and economic impact generated by businesses that are community anchors throughout Philadelphia, including in many historically disadvantaged neighborhoods," states a release on the resolution.

curated from: Phillyvoice.com

My Personal Commentary:

As Black People in America, we should adopt this process nationwide and even worldwide. To make a significant impact and be aware of our spending we need to begin to track expenses to see how many times we spend outside of the black community o goods that we could spend within our own black communities. When we adopt a practice and habit of intentionally being aware of our daily spending and finding black owned sources only then will we begin to "circulate" the black dollar & see our black businesses as a whole begin to grow and thrive.

Do you know of any initiatives in your community that promote or accelerate the growth of Black-Owned Businesses? Let us know so we can put the spotlight on them!

Share your thoughts or words of encouragement in the comments below!