The Black Lives Matter Movement Has Changed How Many People Spend Their Money

There are still many Black Lives Matter protests happening across the world and allies and activists that are rightfully confronting the issue of what constitutes a substantial change. 

Photo by Johnathan Kaufman on Unsplash

Many are making their voices heard by signing petitions, attending protests, and expressing true solidarity. Even though all those actions just mentioned are important, there are still other ways people can support the movement. 

One may question ways to go beyond just posting the hashtag or even when many people were posting the black squares on their social media profiles. There is also a phrase about how money talks. There’s power where one chooses to spend their money as well, so let’s dive in.

It’s about time that more people realize that just because they may not be a local Black Lives Matter protest in an area or city nearby them that the movement along still have made many of us consider where our money goes.

With economics, inequality, and race all being deeply rooted in the United States and over the world, it’s still true that the average Black American family only owns about 10% of the wealth when compared to the average White American family.

It’s also no secret how segregation, redlining, and job discrimination have impaired the economic divide ignited from slavery. If they were brought to the surface today for blacks' enslavement, the reparations would total billions of dollars. However, that money has not materialized even decades later.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

    For being a black woman myself, I can deeply sympathize with many Black families that have been deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic and how difficult well as overpricing in low-income communities have tortured Black families financially. Across the country, the pandemic has and is still exacerbating existing inequities.

    On the brighter side of things, donations have been a greater presence during Black Lives Movement and pandemic. With the allies, activists, and non-profit organizations, they have pushed for a change. They all and others have contributed and pushed to donate bail and funeral funds for Black victims of police brutality, transphobia, and Black Lives Matter organizations. 

Money speaks volumes that do not have to translate into other languages.

There is true importance that goes further than just donating to the many causes to help. The movement in 2020 has now brought awareness and has caused people to question who they buy from, and who we should continue to buy from.

Over the summer months, many blacks and Afro Latina content creators and influencers took part in the Pull Up Or Shut Up Movement. The campaign was launched by Uoma Beauty CEO Sharon Chuter, which urged brands to share the number of black employees, worked in their companies. 

When Chuter revealed the numbers she had gathered, it was shocking. The number of Blacks employed in white-collar professions (8%) revealed that only 3.2% of black people are in executive or senior management level roles.  She then had continued to urge consumers to stop buying from their favorite in-store or online brands until they take part in the challenge.

I learned that everyone can learn and research more about the companies they heavily support or support their purchases. I became more cautious about the brands that I shared on my social media platforms and the cause that they stood for. 

Photo by Duncan Shaffer on Unsplash

    As we quickly approach the holiday season, I am paying great attention to marketing that many companies will use to leer in their customers, especially with the hair and beauty companies. Overall, as a woman, I choose to enlighten other women to shop with intention year-round no matter what they may be looking to buy. 

    The BLM has proven time and time again that money will not fix the issue completely, nor will it silence it. We have a long way to go before our current president can freely denounce his stance with white supremacy and recognize the importance of money when it comes to giving back to the black community, companies, and organizations.