Intentionally supporting businesses within your own community is not inherently racist. Many communities—like Asian, Jewish, and others—practice this as a way to build economic stability, resilience, and growth. It’s an act of self-determination and resource pooling, not exclusion. Racism involves prejudice or discrimination against others based on race, often coupled with power structures. Choosing to support your own community economically doesn’t necessarily involve those elements.
The Circulation of Money in Communities
The statistics you mentioned highlight a critical issue in the Black community. When money circulates within a group longer, it creates opportunities for reinvestment in businesses, job creation, and the overall upliftment of that community. For example:
- Asian and Jewish communities have strong networks and traditions of internal support that help circulate money and build wealth.
- Black communities, due to historical and systemic barriers (like segregation, redlining, and underinvestment), often lack the infrastructure to support prolonged circulation of wealth within the community.
Conditioning and Mindsets
The idea that “the white man’s ice is colder” reflects a deeply ingrained legacy of systemic racism and colonization, which fostered internalized biases. Over generations, this has impacted trust and confidence in Black-owned businesses and led to an over-reliance on external systems.
Why Supporting Black Businesses Matters
When Black people intentionally support Black-owned businesses:
- Jobs are created within the community.
- Wealth-building becomes possible through reinvestment.
- Economic independence and self-sufficiency are fostered.
- Social capital grows, strengthening collective power and influence.
How to Approach This Without Exclusion
Supporting Black-owned businesses isn’t about rejecting others but about leveling the playing field. It’s a way to address historical economic disparities. Many ethnic groups prioritize their own communities while still engaging with the broader society.
Conclusion
No, it’s not racist to intentionally support businesses within your own community, especially when done to address systemic inequities. It’s an act of empowerment and community-building. Recognizing the challenges Black communities face, such as the rapid outflow of wealth, makes it clear that intentionality in spending is necessary for long-term economic strength.