June 23rd 2023.
New York City has taken a great step in celebrating and highlighting Black-owned businesses in the city. The New York City Department of Small Business Services created an online business directory, known as The Shop Black NYC, which has over 3,000 Black-owned businesses from all five boroughs. The website was launched strategically on Juneteenth in 2019, making it a perfect way to celebrate the important day.
Supporters of the website have praised the initiative for its positive impact on the community, entrepreneurs, and the overall economy. Black people make up 22% of the city's population, but only 2% of the city’s small businesses. Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services, Kevin D. Kim, spoke of the initiative and what it could mean for aspiring Black business owners.
“When we support our Black-owned small businesses, we support the entire city,” Kim said. “The Shop Black NYC directory serves to boost Black entrepreneurship by encouraging New Yorkers and tourists alike to shop Black and shop local, which in turn allows our neighborhoods to grow and prosper as new businesses take root.”
The Shop Black NYC directory is the first official state list of Black-owned businesses, but it isn't the first of its kind. Anthony and Janique Edwards, a couple from Brooklyn, created EatOkra, a mobile directory for Black-owned businesses and restaurants, back in 2016. The app has an online community of more than 350,000 users and a 5-star Apple App Store rating.
The Shop Black NYC directory is a great way to show support and appreciation for Black-owned businesses in New York City. It provides a platform for these businesses to grow and generate revenue through social media promotions and growing relationships with borough chambers of commerce. This is a step in the right direction for the city and is a great way to celebrate the importance of Juneteenth.
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