Prepare Yourself - and Your Finances - for Black Friday
Four hundred years of systemic racism, deeply rooted in the history of this nation, have resulted in the economic disenfranchisement of Black and Brown people. This disenfranchisement - perpetuated through biased political, economic, law enforcement, housing, and educational systems and practices, has created a foundational and systemic opportunity gap reflected today in economic disparities.
Should we then be surprised that too many corporations have dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion practices from their business models? This is not a mere coincidence, but a failure to ground business strategy in equity. Too many corporations have focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion as public relations, not in commitments to equity, sustainability, and long-term growth; or in other words, freedom and liberation for Black and Brown people.
In a world with rapid advancements tied to policy choices, politicians have conveniently hijacked the narrative surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion to divert blame from policies that ignore the needs of people. Instead, politicians have blamed workplace initiatives for many problems – from job discrimination to poor hiring choices. These narratives have too often blamed Black and Brown people. Fortunately, workers and consumers have a choice – this is not the end of our story.
As the holiday shopping season begins Friday with the rush for the "big sale," we invite you to take a pause and think, "Does the retailer I am giving my money to care about my money – and by extension, me?" Far too many companies signed on to diversity, equity, and inclusion but not because they genuinely cared about the 400-plus years of Black oppression. They cared little about equity as a business strategy and retailers took $1.7 trillion of Black buying power for granted. We have become too comfortable with retailers that fail to respect the Black consumer.
To correct this inequity, we must be intentional about where we spend money. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not trends or slogans — they are the fabric of how people are seen, heard, and felt in the United States.
In our market economy, they are also foundational for business growth. To hold corporations accountable for dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must realize the power of our consumer choices.
By shifting our buying power to companies that align with our values, we can drive real change and demand that they prioritize the well-being of Black people. In response to corporations dismantling their commitments, the NAACP issued the Black Consumer Advisory to inform and caution Black consumers about the ongoing, intentional rollback of nationwide diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments. The NAACP believes we need to push beyond distractions and support Black businesses while growing Black buying power!
Multiple factors affect us as consumers, including the rising cost of goods and services, tariffs, inflation, and the significant job loss happening among Black and Brown people. Now more than ever, it's critically important to save money, and focus on "needs" instead of "wants." It's fine to celebrate but we must prepare for a tumultuous 2026, and the displacement that can come with a recession.
Nothing looks or feels as good as money in the bank and no debt. Prepare now for emergencies and save as much money as possible while avoiding high-interest credit card debt.
Along with many others, we recognize that our wallet is a part of our power. Let's save money, spend intentionally, and align our dollars with our values.
#WeAintBuyingIt
