The city of Philadelphia has declared all Fridays in Decembers as "Shop Black Business" Fridays. Majority City Council Leader Cherelle Parker introduced the measure earlier this year.
"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," the measure states.
The new resolution will lead to four days dedicated towards supporting Black-owned businesses in the city. To encourage citizens to support these the businesses, the city council has put together a list of more than 30 businesses in the area. The list includes bookstores like Harriet's, boutiques such as Amalgam Comics and spas like 3rd Element.
"'Shop Black Business Friday' was born from the recognition that Black culture runs deep in Philadelphia," Parker said.
"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."
Black-owned businesses are in sore need of help during the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from the New York Fed found that 41% of Black-owned businesses had "shuttered" during the pandemic.
"Black businesses experienced the most acute decline, with a 41% drop. Latinx business owners fell by 32% and Asian business owners dropped by 26%," the Federal Reserve Bank of New York stated.
Things may get worse for gyms, restaurants and other businesses as COVID-19 hospitalizations rise and health guidelines tighten. As a result, cities like Philadelphia, online marketplaces like Shopify and public figures like Wale have shown their support for Black-owned businesses as they struggle to keep their doors open during the economic downturn.
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