The Power of Buying Black Today
“Buy Black.” It’s more than a slogan. It’s a blueprint for shifting billions of dollars of consumer power back into the hands of communities that have too often been cut out of the wealth equation. Today, Black consumers in the United States alone wield over $1.6 trillion in annual spending power—a number that continues to rise. Add the wider African diaspora—spanning the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and beyond—and you have a global market that rivals many of the world’s economies.
But here’s the catch: spending power only becomes lasting power when it circulates within the community. That’s the promise and urgency behind the Buy Black movement. What was once dismissed as a niche trend is now a global economic strategy, powered by digital platforms, international shipping, and a new generation of creators who can manufacture and sell goods without ever owning a factory.
This article is a practical roadmap for how—and where—to shop Black across the globe today. From fashion to skincare, art to home decor, and even platforms that help you launch your own brand, here’s how to make sure your dollar supports Black businesses worldwide, both now and for the future.
Where to Shop Black—Right Now
The beauty of today’s Buy Black ecosystem is that you don’t have to guess or Google endlessly to find authentic businesses. Entire marketplaces now exist to curate and spotlight Black-owned brands.
- AfroBizWorld (AfroBiz) is part directory, part marketplace, making it easier for consumers to discover African and diaspora-owned companies across industries. Whether you’re in Chicago, Cape Town, or Kingston, AfroBiz connects you to businesses that keep money flowing through the community.
- Black Nile offers both a digital marketplace and a business directory app, with thousands of listings spanning products and services. More than just a store, it has become a hub for community connection, helping buyers and sellers build networks as well as profits.
- Black Connect takes a nonprofit approach to the ecosystem. Alongside its online store and digital marketplace, it operates as a professional network with local chapters, providing mentorship, pro-bono business services, and advocacy for Black entrepreneurs.
- BLK + GRN focuses specifically on natural and non-toxic goods crafted by Black women artisans. From skincare to household products, this platform is curated with wellness in mind.
- Black Beauty Store Europe proves the movement is global. Based in the EU, it ships Afrocentric beauty and hair care products across European borders, filling a crucial gap for diaspora communities abroad.
These platforms aren’t just online stores—they’re global highways for circulating Black dollars.
Fashion & Accessories You Can Buy Today
Fashion has always been one of the strongest ways the diaspora expresses culture. Now, with international shipping easier than ever, Black-owned fashion is moving across borders like never before.
- D’IYANU offers bold, African-inspired ready-to-wear styles that ship worldwide. Their clothing makes the culture wearable every day, not just on special occasions.
- Noni Styles, founded by Nigerian designer Adenike Ogunlesi, blends modern cuts with African flair, with a storefront in Lagos and a robust online shop that reaches diaspora consumers globally.
- Thebe Magugu, South Africa’s rising star, continues to win international acclaim. His collections ship worldwide and often reference African history while pushing forward a futuristic vision of style.
- lemlem, founded by Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede, supports artisans across Africa. Every purchase directly sustains craft communities while bringing vibrant pieces to closets around the globe.
- Brother Vellies, created by Aurora James, reimagines footwear and accessories through African artistry, shipping globally and gaining cult status among fashion-forward consumers.
- Studio 189, co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, marries sustainability with style, producing fashion in Ghana and shipping internationally.
- Duro Olowu, the Nigerian-born, London-based designer, remains one of fashion’s most inventive voices, with collections available online and through global stockists.
These brands aren’t just clothing labels—they’re cultural ambassadors turning heritage into high fashion.
Beauty & Wellness—The Diaspora’s Glow
The beauty industry has long ignored Black consumers, but Black-owned brands are rewriting the rules.
- Reframe Beauty, launched by Savannah James in 2025, is rooted in clinical integrity and dermatology partnerships, ensuring that its formulations meet the highest standards while catering specifically to melanated skin.
- 54 Thrones uses African botanicals to create luxurious skincare products, bridging traditional wisdom with modern formulations.
- Alaffia champions fair-trade, sustainable products, sourcing from West African cooperatives while distributing worldwide.
- BLK + GRN doubles as a beauty hub, featuring dozens of small-batch brands crafted by Black women, from candles to conditioners.
Together, these companies do more than sell products—they reclaim beauty on Black terms.
Art & Home: Culture in Your Living Room
From gallery walls to coffee tables, Black artistry is flourishing in the global marketplace.
- 54kibo, a Brooklyn-based company, specializes in luxury African home decor, offering everything from textiles to lighting. While they ship mainly within the U.S., international orders can be processed by request.
- Robertson Art Gallery in South Africa connects collectors to contemporary African artists, with global shipping available.
- onlineART.gallery, also based in South Africa, allows customers to browse and buy original art, shipping internationally with secure packaging.
These outlets put the diaspora’s creativity within reach, no matter where you live.
For Creators: Making and Shipping Without Heavy Upfronts
Buying Black doesn’t stop at consumption—it extends to creation. One of the most exciting shifts of the last decade has been the rise of on-demand manufacturing, which lowers barriers for Black entrepreneurs to create and distribute goods globally.
- Seed2Shirt, a Black woman-owned apparel company based in Georgia, operates as the first Black-owned vertically integrated apparel manufacturing and print-on-demand company in the U.S. It sources cotton from Black farmers in the U.S. and Africa, then handles design, manufacturing, and global shipping. For entrepreneurs, this means the chance to launch a clothing line without owning a factory.
- Printify, Printful, and Amazon Merch On Demand—though not Black-owned—offer scalable POD infrastructure. Many Black designers use these tools to test new ideas and build revenue streams while avoiding heavy upfront costs.
The future of “Buying Black” isn’t just about where we shop. It’s also about how we create.
Practical Stuff: Shipping, Duties, and Payments
Supporting Black-owned businesses across borders requires a little extra knowledge.
- Shipping & Duties: International orders often come with customs duties and taxes. Always check whether a platform provides “landed cost” estimates (duties included up front). Services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer calculators to preview costs.
- Payments: Most Black-owned platforms accept major credit cards and PayPal, with some adding ACH and wire options. Stripe and Square also help smaller businesses process global transactions seamlessly.
These small considerations can make the difference between a smooth buying experience and an unexpected bill.
A Call to Action
Buying Black has never been easier—or more necessary. Whether it’s fashion from Lagos, skincare from Accra, art from Cape Town, or a startup in Harlem, every purchase is a vote for a future where Black wealth circulates freely across borders.
The “Buy Black” movement is not nostalgia—it’s an economic revolution. And it’s happening now.
So here’s your challenge: pick one platform, one brand, or one creator from this article. Make that purchase today. Then, commit to doing it again next month. That’s how we build wealth that lasts, not just for us—but for generations to come.
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
FeaturedHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Walking Into the Heart of Harlem’s Holiday Spirit. On the evening of November 18th, Harlem did what Harlem does best — it shined.
FeaturedHarlemBusinessHarlemEmpowerment
Your dollar has power. Make it work for the culture. Read our guide to global Black-owned businesses you can support today.
The Power of Buying Black Today
“Buy Black.” It’s more than a slogan. It’s a blueprint for shifting billions of dollars of consumer power back into the hands of communities that have too often been cut out of the wealth equation. Today, Black consumers in the United States alone wield over $1.6 trillion in annual spending power—a number that continues to rise. Add the wider African diaspora—spanning the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and beyond—and you have a global market that rivals many of the world’s economies.
But here’s the catch: spending power only becomes lasting power when it circulates within the community. That’s the promise and urgency behind the Buy Black movement. What was once dismissed as a niche trend is now a global economic strategy, powered by digital platforms, international shipping, and a new generation of creators who can manufacture and sell goods without ever owning a factory.
This article is a practical roadmap for how—and where—to shop Black across the globe today. From fashion to skincare, art to home decor, and even platforms that help you launch your own brand, here’s how to make sure your dollar supports Black businesses worldwide, both now and for the future.
Where to Shop Black—Right Now
The beauty of today’s Buy Black ecosystem is that you don’t have to guess or Google endlessly to find authentic businesses. Entire marketplaces now exist to curate and spotlight Black-owned brands.
- AfroBizWorld (AfroBiz) is part directory, part marketplace, making it easier for consumers to discover African and diaspora-owned companies across industries. Whether you’re in Chicago, Cape Town, or Kingston, AfroBiz connects you to businesses that keep money flowing through the community.
- Black Nile offers both a digital marketplace and a business directory app, with thousands of listings spanning products and services. More than just a store, it has become a hub for community connection, helping buyers and sellers build networks as well as profits.
- Black Connect takes a nonprofit approach to the ecosystem. Alongside its online store and digital marketplace, it operates as a professional network with local chapters, providing mentorship, pro-bono business services, and advocacy for Black entrepreneurs.
- BLK + GRN focuses specifically on natural and non-toxic goods crafted by Black women artisans. From skincare to household products, this platform is curated with wellness in mind.
- Black Beauty Store Europe proves the movement is global. Based in the EU, it ships Afrocentric beauty and hair care products across European borders, filling a crucial gap for diaspora communities abroad.
These platforms aren’t just online stores—they’re global highways for circulating Black dollars.
Fashion & Accessories You Can Buy Today
Fashion has always been one of the strongest ways the diaspora expresses culture. Now, with international shipping easier than ever, Black-owned fashion is moving across borders like never before.
- D’IYANU offers bold, African-inspired ready-to-wear styles that ship worldwide. Their clothing makes the culture wearable every day, not just on special occasions.
- Noni Styles, founded by Nigerian designer Adenike Ogunlesi, blends modern cuts with African flair, with a storefront in Lagos and a robust online shop that reaches diaspora consumers globally.
- Thebe Magugu, South Africa’s rising star, continues to win international acclaim. His collections ship worldwide and often reference African history while pushing forward a futuristic vision of style.
- lemlem, founded by Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede, supports artisans across Africa. Every purchase directly sustains craft communities while bringing vibrant pieces to closets around the globe.
- Brother Vellies, created by Aurora James, reimagines footwear and accessories through African artistry, shipping globally and gaining cult status among fashion-forward consumers.
- Studio 189, co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah, marries sustainability with style, producing fashion in Ghana and shipping internationally.
- Duro Olowu, the Nigerian-born, London-based designer, remains one of fashion’s most inventive voices, with collections available online and through global stockists.
These brands aren’t just clothing labels—they’re cultural ambassadors turning heritage into high fashion.
Beauty & Wellness—The Diaspora’s Glow
The beauty industry has long ignored Black consumers, but Black-owned brands are rewriting the rules.
- Reframe Beauty, launched by Savannah James in 2025, is rooted in clinical integrity and dermatology partnerships, ensuring that its formulations meet the highest standards while catering specifically to melanated skin.
- 54 Thrones uses African botanicals to create luxurious skincare products, bridging traditional wisdom with modern formulations.
- Alaffia champions fair-trade, sustainable products, sourcing from West African cooperatives while distributing worldwide.
- BLK + GRN doubles as a beauty hub, featuring dozens of small-batch brands crafted by Black women, from candles to conditioners.
Together, these companies do more than sell products—they reclaim beauty on Black terms.
Art & Home: Culture in Your Living Room
From gallery walls to coffee tables, Black artistry is flourishing in the global marketplace.
- 54kibo, a Brooklyn-based company, specializes in luxury African home decor, offering everything from textiles to lighting. While they ship mainly within the U.S., international orders can be processed by request.
- Robertson Art Gallery in South Africa connects collectors to contemporary African artists, with global shipping available.
- onlineART.gallery, also based in South Africa, allows customers to browse and buy original art, shipping internationally with secure packaging.
These outlets put the diaspora’s creativity within reach, no matter where you live.
For Creators: Making and Shipping Without Heavy Upfronts
Buying Black doesn’t stop at consumption—it extends to creation. One of the most exciting shifts of the last decade has been the rise of on-demand manufacturing, which lowers barriers for Black entrepreneurs to create and distribute goods globally.
- Seed2Shirt, a Black woman-owned apparel company based in Georgia, operates as the first Black-owned vertically integrated apparel manufacturing and print-on-demand company in the U.S. It sources cotton from Black farmers in the U.S. and Africa, then handles design, manufacturing, and global shipping. For entrepreneurs, this means the chance to launch a clothing line without owning a factory.
- Printify, Printful, and Amazon Merch On Demand—though not Black-owned—offer scalable POD infrastructure. Many Black designers use these tools to test new ideas and build revenue streams while avoiding heavy upfront costs.
The future of “Buying Black” isn’t just about where we shop. It’s also about how we create.
Practical Stuff: Shipping, Duties, and Payments
Supporting Black-owned businesses across borders requires a little extra knowledge.
- Shipping & Duties: International orders often come with customs duties and taxes. Always check whether a platform provides “landed cost” estimates (duties included up front). Services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer calculators to preview costs.
- Payments: Most Black-owned platforms accept major credit cards and PayPal, with some adding ACH and wire options. Stripe and Square also help smaller businesses process global transactions seamlessly.
These small considerations can make the difference between a smooth buying experience and an unexpected bill.
A Call to Action
Buying Black has never been easier—or more necessary. Whether it’s fashion from Lagos, skincare from Accra, art from Cape Town, or a startup in Harlem, every purchase is a vote for a future where Black wealth circulates freely across borders.
The “Buy Black” movement is not nostalgia—it’s an economic revolution. And it’s happening now.
So here’s your challenge: pick one platform, one brand, or one creator from this article. Make that purchase today. Then, commit to doing it again next month. That’s how we build wealth that lasts, not just for us—but for generations to come.
This Month’s Featured Articles
The Studio Museum in Harlem, long a global epicenter for artists of African descent—reopens in 2025 with a groundbreaking new home that redefines what a cultural institution can be. From its radical 1968 loft origins to Sir David Adjaye’s “inverted stoop,” the museum remains Harlem’s beacon of Black creativity, community, and future-making.
Kelly Rowland’s relationship with Harlem runs deeper than red carpets and photo ops. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem Hospital, Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), and local Black-owned restaurants, she blends star power with street-level service. In Harlem, Rowland isn’t visiting—she’s investing, uplifting, and rewriting what celebrity commitment looks like.
The National Urban League’s return to Harlem with its $242 million Empowerment Center marks a bold new era of Black economic sovereignty. Combining affordable housing, a civil rights museum, workforce development, and a self-sustaining headquarters, the center reclaims Harlem’s legacy while shaping the future of social and economic justice.
Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson’s story isn’t just about Hollywood greatness, it’s about a lifelong commitment to building, protecting, and funding Black institutions. From Harlem’s stages to Spelman’s arts center and the new Urban Civil Rights Museum, the Jacksons have spent decades transforming activism into infrastructure and legacy into community power.
FeaturedHarlem - The Most Soulful Place On Earth™
Walking Into the Heart of Harlem’s Holiday Spirit. On the evening of November 18th, Harlem did what Harlem does best — it shined.
FeaturedHarlemBusinessHarlemEmpowerment
Your dollar has power. Make it work for the culture. Read our guide to global Black-owned businesses you can support today.
