Support Black Bussinesses Day – Pop Up Shops

February 8, 2024

The Black Student Union at Salt Lake Community College held a series of activities on the Redwood campus for Black History Month, including:

Black History Month Kick-Off
Annual Black Student Union Poetry Slam/Artistic Expressions
Support Black Businesses Day – Pop Up Shops
African American Read-In
Multicultural Fashion Extravaganza
The SLCC Black Excellence Alumni Dinner (Private Event)

I went to the Support Black Businesses Day – Pop Up Shops activity that took place at the Student Event Center (Student Center at Redwood Campus), which featured many businesses, from food to clothing, but especially art.

Reflection

I had the great opportunity to participate in the Support Black Businesses Day – Pop Up Shops activity. Usually, most of the activities that happen on campus and that interest me take place when I am in class, so I don’t always have the opportunity to be present during the entire time. Fortunately, this activity was still on after my last class, so as soon as I finished, I went straight to the Student Event Center.

From the moment I entered the place I was greeted very kindly and told the purpose of the event, to support black businesses. I was very excited to see the great variety of businesses present and the different products they offered, and I was able to see each of the stands present. Different stands offered food, my favorites being the ones that sold desserts.

When I walked into the event, I had a general sense of the importance of supporting Black businesses. However, when I left, I had a deeper appreciation for the personal stories and cultural significance behind each business. The direct interactions with the business owners and the vibrant atmosphere enriched my perspective and commitment to supporting these businesses. I am deeply grateful for this experience that taught me the profound impact that supporting Black businesses has on the community. The event showcased the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Black business owners. I also gained insights into the unique challenges these businesses face and the importance of community support in overcoming them.

I loved the handmade jewelry offered by one of the owners of one of the businesses. I had the pleasant opportunity to talk to her and she told me that the jewelry was made by her, her mother, and other friends of hers. She explained to me that each piece was handcrafted with colorful materials that give life to each one of them, but above all each one of them represents love and dedication. I loved the answer she gave me, and it made me realize the meaning that things have, and the story behind them, in which most of them represent stories of resilience and culture.

Thanks to this event, I became more aware of the existing economic gap in the black community. Some of the businesses commented on how difficult it was for them to have a greater impact on society, and that this often leads to not many people knowing about the existence of their businesses. It is essential to be able to prioritize support for underrepresented groups to promote inclusion and equity.

I am grateful to Salt Lake Community College and the Black Student Union for making the event possible and providing a space for community support. Without a doubt, this type of activity that contributes to giving visibility inspires students to be part of a change and raise awareness. I am happy to share that this activity helped me strengthen my commitment to making conscious decisions as a consumer that support social equity. If anyone has the opportunity to participate in this type of event, and the others offered by BSU, I invite you to take advantage of it. :)

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