US: Black businesses tap "resiliency funds" amid COVID

"Resiliency funds" are helping Black-owned business stay afloat during coronavirus pandemic, continuing a long trition of mutual aid within African American communities with limited access to resources and capital.

Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce anunced this summer it h raised $1 million for its "resiliency fund" to help Black-owned businesses during coronavirus pandemic. It received donations from more than 200 companies and individuals and expects to award grants to some 150 recipients ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

It's one of several such funds created in U.S. since pandemic closed businesses and schools in spring. It's a d t only to disproportionate impact virus has h on African American families but also difficulty Black businesses have in landing bank loans.

Cathy ams, who hes Oakland chamber, said launched fundraising initiative because so many member businesses were having trouble getting financial help from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Ecomic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress in March.

"Black-owned businesses have been marginalized for so long. And we figured we h a call to action to do something," ams said.

Among recipients of Oakland chamber's grants is Judi Henderson, owner of Mannequin Mness, which sells used mannequins and hosts art classes at its Oakland shop.

Henderson said her store was forced to shutdown for a month and a half, and business has been much slower since re-opening in May. $10,000 grant has allowed her to start new services, including a photography studio for dogs.

"I'm standing here right w because we did get resiliency fund. I only h eugh to kind of just pay payroll for a couple of more months," Henderson said. "w that we have some new initiatives, we have or revenue streams coming in. And that's what's helping to keep things up."

Aaron Bryant, a curator with National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., says funds are similar to benevolent societies and mutual aid societies that cropped up in New Orleans, New York and Philelphia starting in late 1700s to aid Black people in times of financial hardship, such as illness or death.

Yet Shawn Ginwright, an education professor in Africana Studies Department at San Francisco State University, says any celebration of resiliency is incomplete without a critical look at discriminatory policies that have shut out African Americans from acquiring capital and wealth.

Fashion designer and entrepreneur Iguehi James, who works out of her basement, said her business was hit hard by pandemic. She previously earned most of her income from selling her colorful dresses, he wraps and kaftans at festivals and conferences, but nearly all of those events were canceled this year.

$5,000 James received from Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce has helped her expand her online presence and pivot into a new business: face masks.

But more than fiscal help, grant reminded 38-year-old vice entrepreneur that she was part of a community that for centuries has mobilized to help members in times of distress. application process was simple and she qualified for a $5,000 "resiliency" grant, despite being a solo practitioner with employees or storefront.

"I think just African-American community in general, we have a history of having to support each or," James said. "Oftentimes we have to turn to our neighbor and turn to people within our community to assist us, to help us."