Planned Beauty Supply Boycott Could Net $66.5 Million to the Black Communities In One Week
October 5, 2009
Seeing Is Believing — Professor Devin Robinson, an economics professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA and best-selling author of Taking it Back: How to Become a Successful Black Beauty Supply Store Owner, will lead a one week long boycott against Non- Black Owned Beauty Supply stores.
Robinson stated, “Blacks make up 96% of the consumers of these stores, yet represent less than 5% of the retail ownership.” As a previous owner of 3 locations, Robinson understands the industry inside out and offers comprehensive solutions for Blacks to recapture this industry. “The problem is with the distributors. Distributors are mainly Non-Blacks and they handpick who they will distribute products to. This oftentimes leaves aspiring black owners disenfranchised”, said Robinson.
The national boycott will take place from November 16th – 22nd and will be highly supported by some of the country’s top Black Media. Robinson, who founded Taking it Back University (www.takingitbackblack.com), has been featured in Ebony Magazine for his work surrounding this issue and over the years has been working closely with his friend, syndicated radio host, Michael Baisden to keep the awareness high.
Robinson expects this one-week boycott to be an automatic people-designed stimulus package for the Black community. He said, “If Blacks only shop with Black-owned beauty supply stores for this one week, we can expect to send $66.5 Million to the black communities. This will send a clear message to distributors on how valuable the black retailer can be.”
Robinson will tour the country assisting with rallies and building awareness during the boycott. His tour begins with a Boycott Launch Banquet organized by The Black Hair Project in St. Louis, MO, where he will be the keynote speaker along with other prominent beauty industry professionals.
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I'll support this
I definitely agree & I will be passing this on!
I think this is a great idea! Economic empowerment is what our community needs to let the world know we’re part of the global marketplace. It is time for us to make collective efforts to show corporations and manufacturers that our buying power is not to be underestimated. I hope Black-owned beauty supply stores appreciate the efforts being made to improve their share of our market by providing excellent selection and service to all of their customers. Flexing our economic muscle in this industry is a great start.
Fantastic idea ~ desperately needed in the UK ~ our marketshare in the hair industry is miniscule and people have zero concept of the black pound ~ good luck you certainly have my support X