Nationwide — As Black Friday approaches, early projections indicate that over $400 million will be spent during Shop Black Week (SBW) 2020. The high-profile events of 2020 greatly highlighted the existing disparities and injustices within the Black community. Hashtags and postings dominated many people’s social media platforms in support of Black lives. Because of the numerous protests, videos and news reports, many high-profile celebrities, athletes, and influencers indicated that they felt a tremendous personal responsibility and are now focused on what they can personally do to help. With this heightened awareness, a campaign like SBW is slated to be well-received and well-supported by everyone.This year SBW has over 200 participating organizations that represent over 1.5 million members, subscribers, and followers who will share and hashtag #shopblackweek to encourage all Americans to participate. “We simply ask that every American make at least one purchase from a Black-owned business from November 20-27th as well as throughout the holiday season,” says Aysha Jackson, SBW’s Campaign Coordinator.
With the success of the previous year’s campaign, early interest from supporters, copycat initiatives, and the SBW website’s daily organic traffic, all of this predicts that millions will be participating. For those visiting the SBW website, there will be tens of thousands of visitors daily looking for quality Black-owned businesses alone. “Because of this early interest, we need additional businesses to sign up on the site to take advantage of this traffic,” says Carla Tillman, Ph.D., SBW’s National Director.
SBW organizers indicate that the 2020 SBW campaign will be bigger and better than ever. Many commercials will be running in over 10 markets on over 20 premium networks such as CNN, ESPN, BET, OWN, VH1, and MTV to help spread the word. “We will not only air these commercials, but we will ensure that the commercials are streamed and promoted online for complete saturation,” indicates Stan Matthews of The Matthews Broadcast.
“Many businesses will be featured on the All Black Home Shopping Experience episodes which will be aired live on the UTS-TV broadcast network,” says Sharon S. Gordon, founder of Urban Trendsetters. “However many other streaming and online platforms will be showing the program as well.”
Organizers welcome all types of Black-owned businesses who would be able to keep 100% of the proceeds from their products and services. A qualified business simply has to register and pass the vetting process by signing up at ShopBlackWeek.org.
Everyone making a purchase from a Black-owned business during SBW November 20-27th should hashtag #shopblackweek and let everyone know about any purchases including business names, locations, dates, and photos.
Also, follow Shop Black Week on Facebook and Instagram.
For press inquiries, contact Latoya Meshell at (833) 991-0911 or shopblackweek@gmail.com.