The Ferguson decision was an outrage and something has got to change. While I don’t agree with rioting or feel it was fruitful, but history has taught us that change comes after civil unrest. Black people need to rally together around a cause like we did in Selma during the Civil Rights Movement. So I’m here for Urban Cusp founder Rahiel Tesfamariam’s #NotOneDime campaign of not buying on Black Friday or buying from Black businesses only. It’s been reported that Neilsen estimated that the African-American community would have a purchasing power of over $1 trillion by 2015. I’m not a math expert, but I do know that’s a whole lot of money.
Will this work? Honestly, I’m not sure. I feel that boycotting with no set demands or unified policy won’t accomplish much. But it won’t kill me to not buy anything for a few days. In my opinion, the way to fight the police killing unarmed citizens, especially minorities, is to lobby to have the laws changed to provide a narrower standard on what counts as self defense in regards to police officers. The solution is for Black people to put money towards Civil Liberty organizations that lobby State Legislatures on expanding citizens rights and limit law enforcement protections. AND vote in the mid-elections. If the elected officials have proven that they are not serving the people. They must be replaced. Vote!
If you want to join in on the Blackout Friday cause, below are a few websites that have put together lists that highlight Black owned businesses.
101 Independent Black Owned Businesses to Support for Blackout Friday
36 Black-Owned Etsy Stores for Black Friday
Also, my cousin Deidra Michelle has written an amazing book titled County Girl. And it’s really good. I’m not just saying that because she is family. Check it out!
County Girl, is set in Los Angeles; the character-driven story is an urban drama with comedic undertones. Girls don’t want to only just have fun; they want to shop, be genuinely loved, have financial security, loyal girlfriends, be great mothers, and be happy. The heroine, Dena Thomas is the youngest one in her group of friends. After high school Dena’s friends move to California; a few years later, Dena graduates and makes her dream a reality by moving from Detroit to California. Enjoying the west coast lifestyle, Dena’s on a mission to find love and receive a Bachelor’s Degree. Life’s journey isn’t easy for Dena or her friends who have similar aspirations but their close sisterhood provides a shoulder for them to lean on. All experience different life dilemmas with love, heart breaks, career choices, single parenting, disappointments, and child support issues; while on their quest to find Mr. Right and to avoid Mr. Right now.
