BINGHAMTON,N.Y. – A Facebook group launched during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests has blossomed into a powerful economic engine for Black-owned businesses in the 607 area code, now boasting nearly 8,000 members and receiving an Empire Award for its impact.
Supporting Black Livelihoods: A Community-Driven economic Boost
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Sulaiminah Burns founded Support Black Business 607 after observing a lack of diversity at local demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.”When I was out at protests, I would see a lot of peopel who didn’t look like me,” Burns explained. “That got me to thinking, ‘how can I get people who are allies to support not only black lives but black livelihood?'”
- Founded in June 2020, the group aimed to translate allyship from protests into tangible economic support.
- Businesses within the group have reported revenue increases exceeding 50% within three weeks of joining.
- Entrepreneurs emphasize the importance of perseverance and a “fake it till you make it” mindset.
What is the impact of the Support Black Business 607 group? the group has demonstrably boosted revenue for local Black-owned businesses, with many reporting being booked out two to three months in advance.
A Hub for Cultural Experiences
The group’s influence extends to businesses like Culture Vybz and Caribe Fuego in Binghamton,both of which prioritize creating spaces that celebrate diverse cultures through food.TaShawn Folks,CEO of Culture Vybz,described the restaurant as a place “where we can get all different kinds of ethnicities,religions,humans,colors all under one roof.”
Alec Trigueno, founder of Caribe Fuego, emphasized the vital role of community support in his restaurant’s success. “If it wasn’t for the community, my lights wouldn’t be on. People look forward to us being open and coming in, getting good food and making it feel like home,” he said.
From Visibility to Growth
Posting within Burns’ Facebook group has proven to be a powerful marketing tool. Folks noted that after posting in the group, Culture Vybz saw an influx of new customers. “We realized when we posted in ther,we’ll see faces we’ve never seen before,and they’ll say we saw you guys on Facebook. we had maybe about 100 people waiting in line, lots of food being sold,” he recalled.
Burns believes the group’s impact goes beyond individual business success. “95% of the group consists of people who recognize the call to action, and that is what they do,” she stated. She added that businesses within the group have not only grown but have also expanded, with some launching second and third ventures.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The business owners shared advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Trigueno encouraged perseverance, saying, “It feels good to be a black business owner. It comes with its ups and downs and challenges, but what doesn’t break you makes you stronger.” Folks offered a message of unwavering self-belief: “Never give up. Keep pushing, keep being great. Nobody can control your limits, nobody can control your style its just you and God.”
Burns offered a pragmatic approach to starting a business, advocating for a “fake it till you make it” mentality. “I was a fake it till you make it kind of person, and I always encourage people to do that,” she said.
