Supporting Black-owned businesses sees retail growth

The annual “BZB Shop Til Ya Drop” showcase, held at Shiloh Baptist Church Family Life Center in Northwest D.C., provides a platform for Black artisans and entrepreneurs to connect with consumers and bolster their businesses. The event emphasizes cooperative economic principles and aims to foster longevity for Black-owned enterprises.

Washington, D.C. has a significant concentration of Black-owned businesses, accounting for 35% of all businesses in the city. This supportive environment is particularly important following the challenges faced by Black businesses during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event Founder and Philosophy

Juanita “Busy Bee” Britton, founder and owner of BZB International Inc., has long championed the prosperity of Black-owned businesses. Britton’s work focuses on connecting communities with local businesses, a commitment she has held since childhood. Her experiences, including work with the State Department in Ghana, have reinforced her belief in unity and collective wealth across the diaspora. The BZB Shop Til Ya Drop event is designed to encourage consumers to support Black-owned businesses, mirroring the support given to larger retail chains.

The Role of “Shop Til Ya Drop”

Marvin Sin, designer and owner of The Art of Leather, has participated in the BZB marketplace for approximately 10 years. He has observed a decline in minority enterprises over his 50 years of experience, citing factors like the replacement of leather vendors and the closure of the Belmont Art Collective. Sin views the “Shop Til Ya Drop” event as crucial for the Black entrepreneurial community, providing a space for independent businesses to grow, expand, and support families.

A Collective Commitment to Ujamaa

The Kwanzaa principle of Ujamaa, which emphasizes cooperative economics and strengthening communal bonds, is reflected in the event. Kelem, an Ethiopian clothing and jewelry business, showcases artwork created in Ethiopia by master artisans, representing the principle through hats, jewelry, dolls, and leather goods. Co-owners Tensae Haile and Winta Teferi aim to culturally and artistically enrich the diaspora by directly connecting it to Africa, providing a platform for African stories and histories.

Kelem’s mission aligns with Britton’s goal of creating a supportive space for the diaspora. The event promotes the idea that wealth should benefit all involved, rejecting exploitation and prioritizing the community’s collective well-being.

Economic Incubator and Cultural Experience

Sin describes the BZB event as an “undiscovered jewel” and an “economic incubator” that sustains and launches enterprises into the future. He recognizes the power of the amassed creativity displayed at the showcase and the significant cultural experiences it provides.