“Own It, Don’t Just Boycott: How Black Dollars Can Shape Our Future”

As the year winds down, the holiday season brings out the shopper in all of us. Stores are bustling, deals are everywhere, and while the meaning behind the holidays might get lost in the shuffle, one thing is clear: this is the time when our dollars have the most power. But have we thought deeply about where those dollars go? How they impact our communities? And how we, as a people, can make them work for us—not just for someone else’s profit?

There’s been a lot of talk about boycotting major retailers like Target and Amazon because of unfair practices, and history shows us that boycotts can be powerful. The Montgomery bus boycott, for example, wasn’t just about refusing to ride buses—it was paired with smart alternatives like carpools so people could still get to work. It wasn’t about hurting anyone’s livelihood; it was about strategy, vision, and creating sustainable pressure for change.

Fast forward to today, and the same principle applies. If we boycott big retailers without a plan, who suffers? Many Black, brown, and other workers rely on these jobs to pay rent, feed their families, and make ends meet. A boycott without alternatives can unintentionally harm the very people we aim to support. That’s why the conversation must go beyond “stop shopping here” and shift toward building our own systems of economic power: our own stores, malls, and businesses that can employ, uplift, and sustain our community.

Image : Instagram

One inspiring example comes from Fayetteville, Georgia, where Felicia and Winchel

Elibert opened Kingdom Corners, a Black-owned shopping plaza designed to set a new standard for ownership. Located at 185 New Hope Road, Kingdom Corners is more than a center for shopping—it’s a symbol of vision, faith, and perseverance. The Eliberts faced doubt, delays, and financial uncertainty, yet they pushed forward, driven by the idea that their children, and all children in the community, deserve to see Black ownership at its fullest. Kingdom Corners isn’t just about stores—it’s about building empires and creating generational wealth. Felicia puts it simply: “We’re more than just a storefront. We can own the whole plaza.”

The Eliberts’ story reminds us of something crucial: our dollars have the power to either build or bypass our communities. Supporting businesses like Kingdom Corners ensures employment, financial stability, and a legacy that will last for generations. they’re not alone.

Image: Business Journal

But Take Lee’s Flower Shop on U Street in D.C., a Black-owned family business serving the community since 1945, now run by the founder’s granddaughters.

Image: Washington Post

The Spice Suite, founded by Angel Anderson, who transformed a simple idea into a hub for local, Black-owned businesses in D.C., hosting hundreds of pop-ups and building a loyal following.

These stories aren’t just inspiring—they’re instructive. In New York City, for instance, Black residents make up 22% of the population, yet only 2% of small businesses are Black-owned. This disparity is a wake-up call: we are consuming more than we are investing, and the gap in generational wealth keeps widening. We must think critically about where our money goes, especially during peak shopping seasons.

The end-of-year spending frenzy is more than just transactions; it’s an opportunity. Each dollar we circulate within our community becomes a tool for growth, empowerment, and sustainability. We can’t blame anyone else for our economic reality. Now is the time to embrace entrepreneurship, support Black-owned businesses, and make a conscious decision to invest in our future. When we shop, let’s ask ourselves: Am I building someone else’s empire, or am I helping to create one for my community?

Our ancestors understood the power of economic unity. They built businesses, banks, and institutions to ensure that wealth could stay within the community. Today, it’s our turn. Let’s carry that torch forward. Let’s circulate the Black dollar, support Black entrepreneurs, and invest in generational wealth. Every purchase can be a statement of strength, vision, and a commitment to a thriving future.

The Eliberts, Anderson, and the families behind Lee’s Flower Shop didn’t wait for permission—they created opportunity. Now, it’s our turn. Let’s make our money matter.