Black Business Friday: Turning Black Friday Into a Community Celebration

This Black Friday wasn’t your typical shopping frenzy; Sacramento introduced its first Black Business Friday, where over 50 Black-owned businesses showcased their wares in Florin Square. With food vendors, live performances, and the passionate spirit of community, the event encouraged shoppers to skip Amazon, Walmart, and other retail giants in favor of supporting local businesses committed to diversity and inclusion.

The backdrop of this celebration was the Mass Blackout movement, urging Black people and allies to rethink where they spend their dollars. Activists like Maddison Morian Brodeur encouraged friends and family to shop locally—and pay with cash, avoiding big chains and even online shopping altogether. It’s a noble challenge and a reminder of the impact our spending can have.

Keisha “Agent Kee” Mathews, a local broker and radio host, emphasized the importance of not just withholding funds from larger retailers but strategically redirecting those dollars to support local entrepreneurs. As the community rallies together to support their own, the call to action grows stronger—reminding us all that a united front can change the landscape of local economies. Let’s hope this momentum keeps building; after all, we might just be cooking up a new economic movement that works for everyone!