As the holiday season approaches, many corporations and public institutions are doing their part to help Black and minority-owned businesses recover in the wake of the COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, pandemic. This week, Facebook has unveiled its new plan to help Black businesses with a new three-month campaign to highlight Black entrepreneurs.
The social media company has launched a global holiday initiative called “Season of Support,” and an 11-week campaign to provide education, resources, and training for small businesses to help them adapt for the holiday season during the public health crisis.
“This year has delivered endless challenges for small businesses, and the data shows Black businesses are affected more than most,” said Maxine Williams, Facebook’s chief diversity officer, in a press statement. “Let’s all do what we can during the Season of Support launched by Facebook and beyond. It’s time to stand up and help Black businesses.”
In addition to the support for small businesses, Facebook will also be launching its #BuyBlack Friday campaign to highlight Black brands leading up to Christmas in addition to #BuyBlack Friday Show, a new live series every Friday to celebrate Black culture and spotlight Black entrepreneurs hosted by comedian Phoebe Robinson with a gift guide resource for consumers to browse the different brands.
“Facebook is determined to do all it can to help small businesses not just survive online but to thrive, which is why we are launching [the Season of Support to provide free resources, education, and training to help businesses all over the world,” wrote Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, in a company blog post.
“We will be working closely with the US Black Chambers, an influential network of Black entrepreneurs, to encourage people to #BuyBlack over the holidays. We are confident that millions of people will want to join in.”