Melanin Unchained, a City of Newburgh activist group with a goal of “protesting differently,” has kicked off a new initiative – Black Business Tuesdays, which would support “equitable economic development.” With the new endeavor, a black-owned business will be featured every Tuesday in a short one to five minute clip with information on who they are, what the business offers, and how they created the business.

“We believe that supporting Black businesses is the correct way to revitalize our community,” said Amir Barksdale, president of Melanin Unchained, in a video clip.

Black Business Tuesdays has been an idea all along for Melanin Unchained, especially considering they work as a part of Next Step Hudson Valley, who has been collecting names of Black-owned businesses since the summer in an effort to “promote and direct financial, social, and community resources to these businesses.” With Melanin Unchained, Black Business Tuesdays are a part of their itemized adaptive strategy plan.

“Financial freedom is what a lot of us want, which comes with financial literacy” said Ali Muhammad, one of the founding members of Melanin Unchained. “For years this has been a topic … supporting local is important, how do we support local equitably and not just with trends?”

Barksdale spearheaded the initiative, outlining the purpose and vision of Black Business Tuesdays. Melanin Unchained hopes to not only support Black-owned businesses and stimulate the local economy, but inspire Black youth “to see entrepreneurship as a viable option for their future.”

The first feature was of Hales Hardware & Home Supplies, located at 199 Broadway, where Mr. Hale expressed the obstacles he faced when opening his business. However, not every feature will be a brick and mortar business.

“It’s going to be different,” said Muhammad. “We’ll be focusing on arts and entertainment, those in the education fields, in real estate and development, and more. It’s going to be an eclectic group of businesses, highlighting that we do work and are professionals in a lot of different areas.”

Although the weekly features are new, Melanin Unchained will be continuing them on a weekly basis moving forward with a potential of expanding out.

“We want people to identify, amplify, and have a sense of pride and prosperity,” said Muhammad. “Maybe with our support of them, others will support them. Giving dollars to Black business owners would create job opportunities for BIPOC youth, as well as keep the Black dollar circulating longer than the national average of six hours. We should be able to work, play and live in the City of Newburgh and Orange County.”

If you or someone you know is interested in being featured in Melanin Unchained’s Black Business Tuesdays, or you would like to view the features so far, visit Melanin Unchained’s Facebook or Instagram page.