Our call to action is simple. We are urging Black consumers in New Orleans to consciously and deliberately spend at least $50 a week with Black owned businesses. If supporting Black-owned businesses is already a habit, increase your effort because economic freedom is the civil rights issue of our time, and we are the missing piece. "Black Business is Our Business” is boldly designed to promote con
scious consumerism within New Orleans' African-American community. We believe that many of the issues that confront our communities can be improved if Black consumers corralled their impressive buying power ($1.1 trillion nationally and $4.78 billion locally) and deliberately chose to patronize Black-owned businesses when and wherever possible. The puzzle is only complete when Black business owners, in turn, fortify the communities that support them by providing jobs, contributing resources to important efforts and supporting other Black-owned businesses. It will take a purposeful effort, but not a difficult one. Think about it. Just $50 a week—it is the money many of us spend on gas, groceries or dining out. Instead of shopping, filling up your tank or stopping for lunch randomly, consciously choose
Black-owned businesses so they can grow and expand their capacity to create more jobs and support our community in other ways. And don’t forget to turn to the latest New Orleans BlackBook as a resource to locate Black businesses, professionals and service providers of all types. Remember, we—all of us together—are the missing piece! So please join us in this effort!
