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I Bet You Didn't Know

The Untold Secret of Black Economic Power

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Feature Article

Despite $2 Trillion in Buying Power, Black Wealth Stays at 15 Cents on the Dollar

Black America. Africa. Brazil. The Caribbean. UK. Combined the African diaspora would be the third largest economy on the planet — behind only the US and China. The power exists. It always has.

"The soil is ours. The skills are ours. The market is ours. The only thing missing is the infrastructure to connect them — and the will to build it together."

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Black consumer spending on ethnic beauty 80%+

Black-owned beauty supply stores <5%

Black-owned hair brands at retail 3%

Korean control of beauty supply market 60-80%

9,000 beauty supply stores — who owns them?

Black-owned (under 5%) Korean-owned (60-80%)

Market value 2024

$7.5B

Black hair care globally

Projected by 2033

$12.7B

Growing 6% annually

Top brand owners

L'Oréal · P&G
Unilever · Revlon

None Black-owned at scale

Black startup funding 2024

0.3%

of total US startup funding

"SheaMoisture was Black-owned. Unilever bought it. Carol's Daughter was Black-owned. L'Oréal bought it. The pattern is the point."

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Why not a Black-owned smartphone?

Jesse Russell invented the technology behind modern cellular networks. Your phone exists because of him. There is no Black-owned phone manufacturer at scale. China built Tecno — now the #1 smartphone brand in Africa. The diaspora had deeper ties and never did.

Why not a Black-owned cobalt company?

The Congo holds 70% of the world's cobalt — in every iPhone, Tesla, and laptop battery. The critical minerals market is worth $325 billion. Africa exports the raw material. Everyone else builds the product.

Why not a Black-owned cocoa brand?

Africa grows 70% of the world's cocoa. Hershey, Nestlé, and Mondelez built billion-dollar companies on it. African farmers earn commodity prices. The diaspora buys the finished chocolate.

The Big Picture

The Skills Are Ours. The Resources Are Ours. So Why Not?

Dr. Charles Drew invented blood banks. Lewis Latimer made the lightbulb practical. Dr. Mark Dean co-invented the IBM personal computer. Frederick McKinley Jones invented portable refrigeration — changing the global food supply chain.

The innovation record is undeniable. The capability was never the question. The question is what happens after the invention — and who builds the company around it.

"Africa is not waiting to be saved. It is waiting for a partner. The diaspora is that partner. We just haven't shown up yet — together."

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Featured Business

Fine Dining · Houston · Dallas · New York · Austin halal

Amir's Steakhouse

"The first of its kind. An experience unlike any other."

Amir's Steakhouse redefines fine dining — a premier halal steakhouse experience brought to life with impeccable cuts, bold flavors, and an atmosphere that commands attention. Exclusive. Intentional. Unforgettable.

Houston · Dallas · New York · Austin Fine dining · Private events · Catering

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Fine Dininghalal

Amir's Steakhouse

The first of its kind — a premier halal steakhouse experience across Houston, Dallas, New York, and Austin.

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Imara Umoja Presents

Flavors of Africa Series

North Africa — Morocco · Algeria · Tunisia · Egypt · Libya

We're exploring a new series — a gathering place where food, culture, and community come together. Join us as we begin with the rich culinary traditions of North Africa.

Share and learn traditional dishes
Watch live cooking demonstrations
Gather for a communal meal
Experience culture through food and storytelling

This is about more than food — it's about connection. As the series grows, we'll explore African American, Afro-Latin, Caribbean, Jamaican, and other global cuisines united through the diaspora and shared experience.

Share Your Interest →