But the culture shift isn’t just about deciding where not to spend. It’s also about figuring out where to invest time and money: “There is no revolution if we just tear things down,” says Rucker. “That’s destruction. We must also build, creating alternative solutions that people can embrace and be proud to shift to.”
Nicole Obi, President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), agrees.
“If you want to build Black wealth,” she says, “then buy from Black folks.”
“[Supporting the Black community and local businesses] is not an aside," she adds." It's not a contingency plan. What I'm suggesting is that this is the plan.
"It's not as convenient. It may cost you a little bit more money, but it would be more impactful."
Many Black-owned businesses, Obi warns, are running on thin margins, low capital reserves, and rising costs, having survived the pandemic only to face inflation, supply-chain volatility, and higher operating expenses. The disinvestment in Black businesses and advancement since the racial justice “reckonings” of 2020, including open hostilities toward DEI initiatives under the current administration, have only added to the struggle.
That’s why Obi says it’s up to communities to support themselves and one another, even if it means spending a little extra cash on that local business.
“Every dollar you spend is a decision about the future you want to build,” she says. “People have to be willing to make those sacrifices if they want to see change. Change doesn't happen by just cancelling people. Change happens by doing something.”
