Black History Month is a time to honour the contributions, achievements, and rich history of Black communities. It’s also a moment to reflect on ongoing challenges and ways to support Black empowerment. Black Pound Day, celebrated monthly, aligns with this goal by encouraging consumers to buy from Black-owned businesses, promoting economic growth, and addressing financial disparities. Supporting Black Pound Day during Black History Month is a meaningful way to contribute to lasting change and uplift Black entrepreneurs year-round.

In recent years, supporting Black-owned businesses has gained much-needed attention, leading to initiatives like Black Pound Day (BPD). This monthly event, observed on the first Saturday of each month, is dedicated to encouraging people to support Black entrepreneurs, spend money with Black-owned businesses, and invest in the Black economy. But Black Pound Day is more than just about boosting sales; it’s a powerful social and economic movement that fosters inclusion, equity, and financial empowerment.

Black Pound Day was founded in June 2020 by British rapper and social activist Swiss, a member of the So Solid Crew. The timing coincided with the global Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd. Amid growing calls for racial justice, Swiss saw the need for a grassroots movement that could have a tangible, long-term impact on the Black community’s financial strength.

The idea was simple: by encouraging people to spend money with Black-owned businesses on a designated day each month, Black Pound Day would help create sustainable growth for these businesses. Beyond a single day of spending, the movement also aims to change buying habits long-term and build a lasting culture of support for Black entrepreneurship.

Why Black Pound Day Matters

1. Boosting Black-Owned Businesses Many Black-owned businesses face systemic challenges, from a lack of funding to discrimination in the marketplace. By promoting these businesses and encouraging consumers to support them, Black Pound Day offers a platform for growth and visibility. Increased revenue not only helps businesses thrive but can lead to the creation of jobs and opportunities within the Black community.
2. Challenging Economic Inequality Economic inequality remains a significant issue in many Black communities, both in the UK and worldwide. Generational wealth gaps, unequal access to business loans, and discrimination in employment contribute to this disparity. Black Pound Day serves as a direct response to these inequalities by promoting financial empowerment through collective action.
3. Fostering Economic Circulation A core goal of Black Pound Day is to circulate money within the Black community. Studies have shown that in other ethnic communities, money circulates within the group several times before leaving, but this is not the case for Black communities, where funds often exit quickly. By encouraging regular and intentional spending with Black businesses, the movement seeks to increase the flow of capital within the community, strengthening it over time.
4. Cultural Recognition Black Pound Day also highlights the cultural richness of Black entrepreneurship. From fashion and food to technology and creative industries, Black-owned businesses reflect the diversity and innovation within the Black community. The day offers an opportunity for people to discover and celebrate this cultural wealth while supporting its continued growth.

Supporting Black Pound Day extends beyond a single Saturday each month—it’s about fostering long-term economic empowerment for Black-owned businesses. You can contribute by intentionally buying from Black-owned vendors, spreading awareness on social media, and leaving positive reviews to boost their visibility. Most importantly, make it a habit to support these businesses year-round. Black Pound Day is a collective movement for economic justice, aiming to empower Black entrepreneurs, reduce disparities, and promote financial independence. Every purchase is a step toward lasting change.

Let’s make every day a Black Pound Day!