The world is ours to build | Opinion

In times of confusion, and uncertainty, the most powerful response is organization and preparation. Chaos thrives where there is disconnection and a lack of a clear vision. When individuals come together with shared purpose, strategic planning, and intentional action, they are unshakable. We must build what we want to see.

While we reactivate and reorganize our political, religious, and civic engagement, we must also realign our economic strategy. Entrepreneurship has always been a powerful vehicle for Black self-determination and economic resistance. In this day and age, it is no different. We cannot allow ourselves to be dependent on corporations only, who at any time and on any whim, can disengage and walk away, promises unfulfilled.

We must build what our communities need. We must build our own infrastructure for distribution, capital access, marketing, and trade across state and country lines. First, we must invest collectively in warehousing and fulfillment operations that can serve as regional hubs for product storage and shipping. These hubs can be a shared resource that increases efficiency. Black businesses cannot afford to be put in a position where they cannot sell their products because one national retailer decides to no longer support them.

Secondly, we must build local-to-local supply chains as well. We’ve seen how partnerships with Black farmers in the South and young brothers in New York City, who want to turn their lives around, sell fresh produce in the communities that are food deserts. More of these connections should tap into new markets and develop mutually sustainable models for our businesses. This same model can be applied internationally.

Relying solely on US sales leaves businesses vulnerable to domestic economic downturns, corporate volatility, and policy rollbacks. Curated partnerships in the Caribbean and with African nations can provide new consumer bases and alternative revenue streams. Products that reflect Black culture, beauty, history, and innovation often resonate with populations in these countries because there is a built in demand and familiarity. According to MBDA, only 2.9% of African-American owned firms engage in exporting but they average more revenue than their domestic counterparts. On average, these exporting businesses generate $8.1 million in annual receipts, whereas the non-exporting counterparts average $64,000. There has been some growth in this area. In 2021, there were 1,139 Black owned exporting businesses collectively exporting goods worth over $1.12 billion. When we build it, we succeed.

I leave you with this and let this push you forward in the work that we must do together…When they close their doors, we build our own. When they silence our visibility, we amplify each other’s voices. And when they withdraw support, we double down on our own. It’s time to double down on us.

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin is the president of the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce.