Chicago Joins Nationwide Efforts to Support Black-Owned Businesses During Corporate Rollbacks of DEI Programs

Business Chicago Joins Nationwide Efforts to Support Black-Owned Businesses During Corporate Rollbacks of DEI Programs Ald. William Hall (6th Ward) joins Black business owners and faith leaders at Woodshop Art Gallery on April 17, 2025, to preview an event supporting Black-owned businesses. (WTTW News) Black business owners and faith leaders in Chicago recently gathered to preview a Saturday event that is part of a nationwide effort to protest corporate retreats from diversity, equity and inclusion. The event, “Spend in the Black: Resurrecting the Black Dollar” will take place this Easter weekend on Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 75th Street and King Drive. The purpose of the event is to redirect collective economic power into local communities, according to event organizers. The event is hosted by Ald. William Hall (6th Ward) alongside Salem Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church. Thanks to our sponsors: Black businesses are more likely to employ Black people in the community while also serving as philanthropic arms in the community, Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson said during a Thursday press conference. “We also know that Black businesses give life to the commercial corridors in our community,” Freeman-Wilson said. “We see that along 75th...