There was a significant effort on Saturday to transform 75th Street in Chicago into a "Black Wall Street." The event, known as Spend in the Black, is part of a national movement encouraging people to support Black-owned businesses over Easter weekend.
City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin emphasized the importance of investing in these businesses. "We need to understand that when we begin to invest in Black-owned businesses, we begin to build generational wealth for our community," she stated.
The local initiative is being led by Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward and Dr. Charlie Dates, pastor of Progressive and Salem Baptist churches. Hall highlighted the potential economic impact: “We can literally see a half a million to $1 million spent between three blocks. These are some of the best businesses in the city of Chicago. We just want people to know about the secret on 75th Street.”
Due to high interest from local entrepreneurs, there was even a waitlist for participation. Dates explained the purpose behind the event: “This is about resurrecting the Black dollar. So rather than being in the red, we are spending in the Black.”
Over 100 businesses showcased their products at 75th and King Drive from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering items ranging from Italian Ice and coffee to homemade bracelets and beauty products.
Stefanie Moore from Mams Bracelets expressed her gratitude for participating: “It’s a blessing, an honor. We are grateful to be a part of this, so we are bringing it back to our community.”
Faith leaders have been instrumental in this movement, using their influence to counteract corporate retreats from diversity initiatives. Mayor Brandon Johnson remarked on its broader implications: “What we do on 75th will have an impact on what happens on 79th. What happens on King Drive has an impact on what happens on Madison.”
Dr. Dates is actively encouraging his congregation to prioritize shopping at Black-owned businesses instead of major retailers.
Content Courtesy of Christian Piekos
Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback