If Black America were its own country, it would be one of the richest nations on Earth. With over $1.8 trillion in an- nual consumer spending, our collective economic power rivals the GDP of nations like Australia and Mexico. That’s not a dream—it’s a fact. But the real question is this: If we’re spending like a wealthy nation, why are we still treated like a struggling one?
It’s because we don’t own enough of what we spend money on.
Black consumers fuel industries—from beauty and fashion to entertainment and fast food—yet less than 2% of that $1.8 trillion circulates through Black-owned businesses. That means others are building generational wealth off our dollars, while our communities are left with underfunded schools, shuttered businesses, and shrinking opportunities. We’ve been taught to chase brands, not build them. To consume, not create. To work hard for money—and then give it away to those who never reinvest in us.
That cycle must end.
The truth is, we have more than enough spending power to build our own banks, schools, media outlets, and tech companies. We don’t need more slogans—we need strategy. If just 10% of our an- nual spending was redirected to Black-owned businesses, that would be a $180 billion rein- vestment into our own future.
This isn’t about blaming our- selves. It’s about realizing our strength. The Black dollar is global. It sets trends. It creates billionaires. Now it’s time for it to build Black futures.
We don’t have to wait for permission. We just need to start spending with purpose. Because if Black America were a country, we’d already be rich.
It’s time to act like it.
