In 2025, as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs continue to be scaled back across major corporations, Black entrepreneurs face increasing uncertainty. For journalist and author Chanté Griffin, this reality hit home when products from two of her friends—both Black business owners—were removed from shelves amid a national pullback on corporate DEI commitments.
In response, Griffin has launched the “Buy Black” Financial Toolkit, a free, year-long guide designed to empower consumers with practical, themed strategies to support Black-owned businesses every single month. It’s more than a spending plan; it’s a blueprint for economic justice.
“The work of increasing economic justice and Black wealth is ours, and the time to increase our commitment to Black businesses is now,” says Griffin.
A Movement Born from Urgency
The idea for the toolkit was sparked after Griffin witnessed firsthand the vulnerability of Black entrepreneurs in mainstream retail. This personal connection, paired with troubling economic statistics, motivated her to act.
According to USA Today, while Black Americans make up 12.4% of the U.S. population, they represent only 2.4% of all employer-firm owners. Griffin saw this disparity as both alarming and actionable.
“If we don’t support Black businesses today, then they may not exist tomorrow,” she warns.
What Is the “Buy Black” Financial Toolkit?
The “Buy Black” Financial Toolkit is a downloadable guide that makes supporting Black-owned businesses simple and strategic. Starting in April 2025 and continuing through March 2026, the guide assigns a monthly theme and offers curated lists of Black businesses that align with each theme.
It builds on earlier “Buy Black” efforts but introduces a new level of organization and intentionality, turning impulse support into year-round action.
Monthly Themes from the Toolkit:
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April: Financial Services and Investments
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May: Gifts
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June: Personal Care and Fitness
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July: Transportation, Travel, and Vacation
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August: Outdoor Recreation
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September: Education and Learning
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October: Groceries, Food, and Restaurants
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November: Household Items
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December: Giving
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January: Housing and Home Improvement
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February: Health and Legal
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March: Spring Cleaning and Woman-Owned Businesses
Each month’s checklist helps consumers plan their purchases, discover new Black-owned brands, and think more broadly about their economic impact.
Changing How We Shop
Griffin stresses that supporting Black businesses requires a shift in mindset and sometimes, a bit of inconvenience.
“It’s easy to order from Amazon or grab shampoo at the nearest big-box store, but that convenience can come at the cost of a Black business’s survival,” she notes.
By consciously choosing where to spend, consumers can help close the racial wealth gap and build economic ecosystems that uplift Black communities.
About Chanté Griffin
A respected journalist and emerging thought leader on race, culture, and faith, Chanté Griffin’s work has appeared in The Washington Post, The Root, HuffPost, Los Angeles Times, EBONY, Good Housekeeping, and Parents. She is often sought after for her insights in interviews, podcasts, and panel discussions nationwide.
In addition to being the author of Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself, Griffin continues to champion Black voices and stories through every medium available to her.
To download the “Buy Black” Financial Toolkit and start your own intentional buying journey, visit Chanté Griffin’s official website or follow her on social media.
Report Erica Jones
