Black-owned businesses in Harlem profit from boycott: 'Community has our back'
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HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) – Did you spend any money shopping or dining out?
An activist group wanted all Americans to refrain from spending any money for 24 hours as an act of resistance against what they described as the bad influence of billionaires, big corporations, and both major political parties.
However, a group in Harlem, TBO Harlem, which stands for The Best of Harlem, was trying to turn this situation into something positive for local, Black-owned businesses.
“This is really about exercising our power as a people,” Marija Abney, the founder of The Soapbox Presents, told PIX11 News.
NiLu is a Black-owned boutique that offers luxury rooted in Harlem’s history. Owner Katrina Parris Pinn saw an uptick in business this Friday.
“In these times, if you have to spend money, spend it intentionally,” Katrina Parris Pinn, co-owner of NiLu, told PIX11 News. “You should be spending where people appreciate you,” she added.
Across Lenox Avenue, L.A. Sweets NY and Sugar Hill Creamery also saw more people walk through their doors.
“We don’t exist if people don’t come in,” Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-owner of Sugar Hill Creamery, told PIX11 News. “It is very reassuring to know the community has our back,” she added.
“It sends a message that it’s supposed to be fair and equality for everyone,” Loretta Alston, owner of L.A. Sweets NY, told PIX11 News.
There had already been a national month-long boycott of Target, starting on February 1 to coincide with Black History Month.
It was launched by civil rights activists in Minneapolis, who were upset by the rollback of the DEI program.
But not all shoppers were aware.
“Now I feel I have to go back and return everything,” Levan Bourne, a Target shopper, told PIX11 News. “I don’t agree either DEI being rolled back,” he added.
Grandma’s Place is a Black-owned toy and bookstore promoting children’s literacy for 25 years. It welcomes as many customers as possible.
“If you have to boycott, do what you have to do,” JahTurner, owner’s godson, told PIX11 News.
“Us getting more support is always going to help,” he added.
There are no firm numbers yet about the boycott's effect, but Harlem entrepreneurs hope their community's support continues.