NBCI launches emergency program to boost Black businesses

The National Black Church Initiative has joined over 150,000 sister faith communities across the country to launch an emergency small business assistance program during this COVID-19 period.

While disclosing this on Monday September 14, 2020, NBCI President, Rev. Anthony Evans, stated that the program is aimed at encouraging all African American churchgoers to spend their money to support small Black businesses across the country.

He said that major black leaders clearly understand the importance of supporting Black businesses in their congregations so that they can survive this extraordinary time of economic hardship.

“The National Black Church Initiative has had a small business initiative for 20 years. We have done everything in our power to help these businesses.

“Now, you can help. We ask you in the name of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that you will support all Black businesses and especially Mr. and Mrs. Pope’s edible arrangement so that they can maintain their Christian journey and know that when it comes down to their Christian family, they have backup,” Rev. Evans said.

He added that there have been 57,253 Black businesses that have gone out of business due to the Coronavirus and the lack of business.

Evans said the only way these businesses could be assisted is for everyone to order at least one product as a family.

“In other words, the black churches are urging their members to chip in together and purchase at least one product from that business.

“We want to alleviate the economic burden for all of us by making sure we can collectively support these businesses right in our congregations,” he said.

“Mr. Pope and his wife are clear examples of members who go to church every Sunday and they’re asking for some assistance from the Black church.

“Help them be around so that they can help you get edible arrangements and gifts for your loved ones.

“So, we need you to pick up the phone (those who can afford to) and order an arrangement,” he added.

Send it to one of your loved ones, locally or across the country, with a very positive message stating that you miss them and hope that they are healthy.

Evans maintained that If every Christina does this in the Washington-Metro area, Mr. and Mrs. Pope’s business will be saved and Christian love will be demonstrated.

He further said that there should not be anyone in our congregation who is spending money outside of the community or outside of those businesses represented in the congregations.

“There is no sense in utilizing a white funereal home during these times. There is no sense in spending money on flowers if it’s not from a Black florist.

“It makes no sense to buy a car, used or new if you’re not buying from a Black auto dealership.

“It makes no sense to complain about Black people without supporting Black people. It is very clear to the church that the only person who is going to save us is Jesus Christ and us.

“White society continues to shoot us in our backs and you still spend money on them. Shame on you!

“We want you to do this for every black business so that they are around after COVID-19,” he concluded.

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino Churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment.

NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, Churches, and the public.