The event was also a statement, a collective protest against the corporate retreats from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that have come to characterize our current political moment. Similar faith-led economic revivals are unfolding across the country, with leaders in Atlanta, Houston and New York organizing their own versions of “Spend in the Black.”
But back here in Chicago, the symbolism of hosting this event on 75th—near legacy businesses like Lem’s Bar-B-Q and Brown Sugar Bakery—was intentional.
The idea is to create more economic opportunities for Black communities across the city. That message was underscored by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who joined Hall, Dates, and a slate of city and county leaders, including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, for opening remarks.
“We passed a $1.25 billion bond investment to grow businesses and to build more affordable housing,” Mayor Johnson said. “It’s the largest investment in the history of Chicago… Let it be known that on this day, 75th and King Drive was the kickoff to what will be generational wealth for generations to come.”
And Saturday was just the beginning.
“The Bible says, ‘Do not despise the day of small beginnings.’ This is a great beginning day,” said Pastor Dates. “We want to see more churches taking the lead and stepping up to do their own pieces in this way… and we also would love to see people pick up and buy some of these shops on 75th Street and then populate them with businesses.”
And on Saturday, the sights and sounds along 75th Street, east of the expressway, told their own story—vendors setting up early, shoppers flocking to booths, Farley “Jackmaster” Funk supplying the jams, and leaders like Mayor Johnson, Ald. Hall and Pastor Dates strolling along, dapping up elders, embracing admirers, encouraging young entrepreneurs and even making purchases like hats and lemonade.
Ultimately, “Spend in the Black” was about sustaining the momentum beyond Saturday’s event.
“So, today is really exciting, and it’s so important, because what we do on 75th will have an impact on what happens on 79th. What happens on King Drive has an impact on what happens on Madison,” Mayor Johnson said.
“You all understand the connection here, and so that’s why we are sowing seeds of ultimate development for Black-owned businesses.”
Ald. Hall added, “What I want to see come out of this is that ultimately people come to every vacancy and they say, ‘I want to lease.’ I want people to come and say, ‘I want to buy that lot.’ I want people to come and build their businesses.”
Content courtesy of Tacuma Roeback
