As Black Friday nears, Facebook has ushered in an initiative to support Black businesses called #BuyBlack Friday. Beginning November 5, the social media site will host live shows that highlight Black businesses across the country. Each episode will be hosted by comedian Phoebe Robinson with special appearances from Janet Mock, Elaine Welteroth and Tayla Parx. Also, #BuyBlack collections will be available through the shopping feature on both Facebook and Instagram. Adding on, Facebook will also dedicate a portion of its Good Ideas Shop in Los Angeles to Black businesses this fall.
“Black-owned businesses have been hit especially hard during the pandemic — and we want to help,” a statement from Facebook reads.
“To keep with our ongoing commitment to support and uplift voices of the Black community, we’ll be buying from Black-owned businesses. We invite you to join us and encourage your communities to do the same.”
In addition to the #BuyBlack Friday initiative, Facebook will continue to highlight Black entrepreneurs and creators across its various platforms. This week, Facebook highlighted Redoux NYC, a vegan skincare company based in New York. Using he platform to promote their business, Redoux NYC co-founders Asia Grant and Alejandro Cuevas explained how they’ve overcome some of the barriers that often exist for Black-owned businesses.
“An interesting challenge that we faced was overcoming the narrative that because we’re a Black-owned brand, the products are only for Black people,” Grant said.
“I see it as an advantage — we’re able to provide a more thoughtfully inclusive brand experience, since we know what’s important to a Black consumer.”
Moving forward, Facebook is encouraging Black entrepreneurs and consumers of Black-owned businesses to visit their site for more information about the #BuyBlack movement.
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