Revitalizing Chicago’s South Side: ‘Spend in the Black’ Campaign Aims to Exceed $1M for Black-Owned Businesses

CHICAGO (WLS) — “Spend in the Black” is a vibrant initiative aimed at empowering Black communities both locally and across the nation.

This Saturday, efforts to give Black-owned businesses a significant boost will be in full swing on Chicago’s South Side.

Dubbed “Spend in the Black,” the movement launched last year following reductions in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) funding. Its mission is straightforward: breathe new life into Black businesses while fostering community unity.

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There was a time when 75th Street thrived with bustling businesses and eager shoppers. However, times have changed, and the once-busy shopping area has seen a decline in foot traffic.

Saturday promises to be different, as organizers invite the public to support Black-owned enterprises by spending their dollars locally.

Among the many business owners hoping to benefit is W. Erskine Quicksey, who has successfully run Flowers First By Erskine for 30 years.

He’s excited to see new faces, and hopefully score new customers at this year’s Spend in the Black event.

“It will open folks eyes to what’s on the strip already,” Quicksey said. “Last year, I remember persons who lived around the corner, and did not know we were here. I said, I’ve been here 34 years!”

It’s that kind of awareness that motivated Reverend Dr. Charlie Dates, pastor of Progressive Baptist Church & Salem Baptist Church, to bring back the event for a second year.

“If we can encourage people to spend their money with Black owned businesses and entrepreneurs, we can lift our community with that kind of healthy habit,” Rev. Dates said.

Just like last year, Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church will be filling the 75th Street corridor with dozens of different businesses. They’re expecting hundreds of people to spend their money with Black-owned vendors and existing shops along the strip.

Spend in the Black is in partnership with Alderman William Hall and the 6th Ward, who says this year’s event will surpass expectations.

“You’re going to see people stay,” Ald. Hall said. “From last year to this year, we have a new business that’s going to be on 75th street. That one year it was a tent, this year, it’s going to be a building.”

Another success story from last year was at Brown Sugar Bakery, where the owner saw her biggest day of sales ever thanks to Spend in the Black.

“We can put money in the hands of our own sisters and in the hands of our own people just like we’re doing with Ms. Stephanie at Brown Sugar Bakery,” Rev. Dates said. “The truth is, your money is your voice. And your voice ought to speak to your values. We are encouraging people this Easter weekend to put their voice where your values are.”

Spend in the Black is featuring more than 100 businesses along 75th. It’s from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Ald. Hall and Rev. Dr. Dates also joined ABC7 last week to discuss Chicago’s effort.