As an outgrowth of the call by Dr. Jamal Bryant, Pastor, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, for a 40-Day fast of Target, USBC President & CEO Ron Busby, Sr. highlighted ByBlack as a solution to shop directly with Black firms. The 40-Day Target Fast, beginning March 5, was launched to encourage consumers to refrain from purchasing from Target and similar corporations that have publicly dismantled or removed DEI programs and initiatives.
“Our mission with this fast is accountability, justice, and transformation,” said Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO of USBC. “We are standing together to ensure corporations prioritize diversity, equity, and economic inclusion—not just in words, but in actions. ByBlack’s Product Search is our answer to those asking, ‘Where can I shop instead?’ We are providing the tools for an economic shift—one that keeps dollars circulating within our own communities.”
Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd social justice movement, the ByBlack Platform is the nation’s largest no-cost Black business directory and certification program, featuring over 60,000 businesses, including 2,000+ ByBlack Certified enterprises. The launch of ByBlack’s Product Search marks a major expansion, making it easier than ever for consumers to discover and shop Black-owned products. Previously, consumers could only access a directory of Black-owned businesses, but as of today, they can now search for individual products offered by these businesses through ByBlack’s enhanced search experience.
ByBlack’s Product Search features an initial 120 Black brands and over 500 products across various categories, including home goods, health and beauty, cleaning supplies, electronics, stationery, and more. The businesses showcased include popular brands that are currently sold at major retailers, alongside emerging ByBlack Certified brands and small businesses that consumers may not yet know about.
“Our approach is rooted in accessibility and impact,” said Braxton Gunter, Head of ByBlack Engineering. “We are building intuitive, user-friendly solutions that connect consumers directly to Black-owned brands and businesses, reinforcing the importance of community-driven commerce.”
Consumers can participate in the 40-Day Target Fast by redirecting their spending to Black-owned businesses, utilizing ByBlack’s Product Search to find alternatives. “This fast is about economic empowerment,” said Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant. “It is about demonstrating the strength of our collective buying power and ensuring that corporations understand our demands for justice and inclusion. We invite everyone to join us by visiting www.targetfast.org to learn more and take action.”
To support the movement and explore Black-owned products and services, visit www.byblack.us today. Black entrepreneurs can also onboard their business to the platform and get certified at no-cost at www.byblack.us/signup.
Media Contact:
Alicea Gay, VP of External Affairs & Certification, email alicea@usblackchambers.org
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About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.:
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.
