Arcadia England

By: Paris Hyman

Here at Arcadia England we are paying homage to Black History Month (US). Our mission is to encourage social equality which is both sustainable and has longevity. 

Beyond a reactive black square posted on our social media, or a fleeting post about Martin Luther King Jr.'s  'I have a dream’ speech, we can proactively address structural inequality by adjusting our consumer habits. 

• Why support Black British businesses? 
• Shouldn’t we support ALL independent businesses?
• What does race have to do with business? Surely seeing colour creates an unnecessary divide. 

On the surface these seem to be valid stances, but give me a moment of your time and I’ll explain why supporting Black businesses is an act of social, economic and political progression.

Let’s look at the stats

There exists a noticeable wealth gap. For every £1 of white British wealth , Black Caribbeans possess only 20p and Black Africans an even lower 10p.

There is also a stark contrast in inherited wealth between races. For example, white people are 4x as likely to inherit wealth than those of Black Caribbean descent.

In relation to the business sector, from a 2021 report, we can see there is a real lack of Black chairs CEOs/CFOs. There are none in the top 100 companies in the UK.

Is the financial gap simply coincidence? Or reflective of a poorer work ethic among Black communities? To understand the present let’s trace back to Black British labour history, identify the finger which pushed the domino. 

A glance into the past: The Windrush generation 

After the Second World War there existed a dire labour shortage. The UK appealed to the Commonwealth, more specifically Jamaica. Jamaicans were promised wealth, opportunity and world class education. On these promises and the belief that England was paved with streets of gold, 500,000 people arrived at Tilbury Docks between 1943 and 1971, eager to assimilate into British culture and contribute to the economy. 

Now referred to as the Windrush generation, this generous influx of labourers built significant infrastructure.

However, many saw the arrival of immigrants as a threat to Britain. This was not helped by Winston Churchill’s ‘Keep Britain White’ campaign. Later, published eugenics studies spread misinformation that interracial couples would conceive genetically flawed children. This fearmongering fuelled discriminatory socio-economic barriers. Such barriers included laws which denied housing, education and healthcare to Black migrants. 

It is clear to see how these pivotal moments in history contributed to the poverty of Black Britons and severely reduced opportunities to climb the social and economical ladder.

Put your money where your mouth is: Black Pound Day

Reflecting on the past gives us a great understanding of the present. We can perhaps feel overwhelmed when faced with the economic disparity, or feel a certain amount of misplaced guilt. Instead, I invite you to engage with positive and practical solutions. 

What can we do to even the playing field? How can we bridge the wealth gap? Never has there been one simple solution. But we know that small consistent actions create impactful change. 

One such measurable action is that of our consumer habits. Consumer demand shapes the economy. Choosing where we spend our money, becomes an important vote determining which businesses thrive.

As it stands, only 4% of Black businesses are still in operation after 3 ½ years since their opening, compared to 55% average of all businesses. 

Launched in August 2020, Black Pound Day works to address the racial economic disparity. The premise is simple: buy from a Black owned business every first Saturday of the month. The proponent of this campaign made this declaration: “It’s a movement not a moment”. 

Don’t know where to start? This directory holds a plethora of beautiful Black-owned businesses, which continues to expand. Click the link and see what businesses are in your local area. 

Here are my top three Black owned businesses in London: 

Dark sugars 

Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6SB

Immediately walking into the establishment, one is greeted with the seductive aroma of chocolate. Glancing around, a myriad of colourful truffles are held in wooden furnishings honouring the natural curves of the wood. In the background sengalese music plays.

Nyanga began selling her truffles in Spitalfields Market and then later moved onto Borough market. Finally she opened up a shop on Brick Lane. People travel far and wide, to taste the delectable Ghanian rich chocolate. She has now expanded, having opened the Dark Sugars ice cream shop only a pebble’s throw away. Due to the high demand, a store will also be opening in Greenwich this year.

Prick 

Kingsland Rd, Dalston, E8 4AE

Prick London could almost be a gallery space, with its minimalist interior and contemporary table tops and shelving. The cacti stand as living sculptures, and one can’t help but feel the need to leave with several succulents and ceramic pots, to liven their home.

Gynelle Leon founded the first shop dedicated solely to cacti and succulents. She is also an award-winning plant photographer and has worked with the Royal Horticultural Society. Of her beloved plants she proclaims: “They are a beautiful and sustainable way to transform an interior. Due to their low maintenance and hardy nature, they’re well suited to modern city living.”

New Beacon Books

Finsbury Park, London, N4 3EN

This quaint bookstore stands proud in North London, rich with history. Not only will you find the latest books written by African authors from both the continent and diaspora, snuggled in a cosy corner of the store, you also have the opportunity to attend a variety of topical workshops.

Established in 1966, New Beacon Books has been a specialist in African and Caribbean literature for over 56 years. It has been integral to the Black Education Movement, the Black Supplementary School Movement and today attempts to decolonise the curriculum.

Start discovering your favourite Black owned businesses!