Even before the August recognition of National Black Business Month, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s (AKA) Alpha Gamma Omega Omega Chapter (AGOO) were working to bolster and spread the importance of supporting African American entrepreneurs.
With the June initiative Black Dollar Days, the chapter encouraged members to intentionally support Black owned businesses, as part of the sorority’s commitment to economic empowerment and community investment.
“Black Dollar Days reflects AKA’s longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and supporting Black entrepreneurship. It shows how intentional spending can create measurable impact while strengthening local economies and expanding opportunities for Black-owned businesses,” said AGOO Chapter President Nicola Kennedy.
Once dollars were counted, not only had the chapter stayed committed to the cause, it surpassed its goal of spending $11,830 with Black businesses. Having supported 89 unique Black-owned businesses across more than 40 cities in at least 10 states — including Maryland and Washington, D.C. — chapter members invested 40% above their goal: $16,452.69.
The businesses differed — from restaurants to fitness classes, clothing stores and more, such as: The Spice Suite, Felicia C. Everette Insurance, Jai Essentials: A Mother’s Love, Sankofa Yoga and the Crofton, Maryland-based New Digz Consignment Boutique, with whom the chapter partnered for a special Black Dollar Days special event that generated $3,800 in buying power.
“Black Dollar Days is more than a campaign, it’s a movement rooted in purpose,” Kennedy explained. “Every purchase we made represented a conscious investment in Black entrepreneurs, Black communities, and Black families. By intentionally directing our dollars to Black-owned businesses, we are helping build stronger businesses, create opportunities, and contribute to the generational wealth that strengthens our communities.”
