We’ve all heard the rallying cry: Invest in Black businesses, uplift our community, and be the change we want to see. I wholeheartedly endorse this message, but lately, that endorsement has felt a little more complicated.
Don’t get me wrong, I fully believe in the power of Black economic empowerment. But as much as I want to champion Black businesses, some experiences have frustrated me. Here’s the thing: Advocating for Black businesses shouldn’t mean excusing bad practices.
Let me tell you about this time I went to this clothing shop. I viewed some of their products on social media, checked out some reviews, and decided to support them for a national conference I prepared for.
I showed up on time. Except the shop wasn’t open. The hours of operation sign clearly said they were open. Just a closed door.
Finally, an hour later, after several calls, the owner called back to tell me she was closed midday to sell her products at an event. She told me I should come back the next day, and she wasn’t there when I did during business hours.
I was frustrated, like, “Don’t you have employees?” I had to scramble for a last-minute alternative. It was a massive disappointment, but where I went was far better in comparison as far as professionalism was concerned.
Now, I understand hiccups happen. But imagine my frustration after actively seeking out a Black business, only to be met with such unprofessionalism. Moments like this make some people hesitant to embrace fully supporting Black businesses.
Look, I still believe in the power of our collective spending. But Black businesses need to step up their game. We need reliable hours, clear communication, and a commitment to customer service. We deserve the same level of professionalism expected from any other business.
Black businesses have the potential to be economic powerhouses. But let’s not confuse supporting our own with accepting subpar service. Ultimately, it’s a two-way street. Black businesses need to earn our loyalty, just like any other.
This was originally published by Defender Network. Laura Onyeneho is a multimedia journalist who has reported on social, cultural, lifestyle, and community news.