We Ain't Going Nowhere
Donation protected
The last four months have been challenging, but we have been met with great fortune in the likes of our customers, community members, and individuals around the country. At a time when all is uncertain your contributions ignited the hope in all of us that one day we will soon return to opening our doors. We thank each and everyone one of you who has donated, but our work is not finished.
Because of your generous contributions we have raised $30,500 as of June 1, 2020; however grateful, we are still very shy of our goal. In order to repair the damages done by the pandemic and prepare for the "new" future we are encouraging you to share in our #GivingTuesday #WeAintGoingNowhere campaign.
Follow our social media pages on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 and learn more about our businesses, our impact in the community, and why our survival is paramount to diversity and inclusion in Boston. Share our campaign with your networks and let's show the world how community takes care of each other.
THE CHALLENGE
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted black communities at a disproportionate rate affecting both our health and economic prosperity while exposing the vast inequalities and systems that allow it. Particularly vulnerable are Boston’s black-owned bars and restaurants, all of which have lost more than 90% of their revenue amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Of the data, these stand out –
● 83% of these businesses are located in Roxbury;
● 75% of the customer base are people of color (“POC”);
● 88% of the workforce, primarily POC, were laid off during this crisis, affecting 116 households;
● $1.2 million dollars of estimated revenues were lost by the businesses March, April, and May 2020
● 100% of the businesses will have to consider closing doors for good if the status quo continues.
The statement outlines alarming statistics that paint a picture of devastation for our neighborhood businesses. We know from previous reports that Black Bostonians already operate at a quarter of a million-dollar deficit but, this is further compounded by their overrepresentation in vulnerable sectors such as leisure, hospitality, transportation, and retail. The data is clear, Black and minority-owned businesses that continue to operate during this recession are about 60% less likely than their peers to receive 100% of the financing needed to sustain their business.
“We are 5 of 8 of 1200+[Boston liquor licenses]. With those numbers, we were never in a place to make it. Sad part is, this is not just a Boston or Industry problem.”
– RC Smith, Urban Food and Beverage, Owner
We are at a critical juncture - one that decides the survival of our businesses and the livelihood of our neighborhoods. Our businesses represent the rich history of Black Boston and our future successes. Simply put – Black-Owned Bars and Restaurants will die without help.
ABOUT THE BOSTON BLACK HOSPITALITY COALITION:
The Boston Black Hospitality Coalition (BBHC) was created out of the necessity to have a focused initiative that prioritizes ensuring the preservation of Boston’s Black-owned hospitality community. Comprised of five of Boston’s only eight black liquor license holders of restaurants and bars in the city: Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, District 7 Tavern, Savvor Restaurant & Lounge, Soleil Restaurant & Catering, and Wally’s Jazz Café.
Because of your generous contributions we have raised $30,500 as of June 1, 2020; however grateful, we are still very shy of our goal. In order to repair the damages done by the pandemic and prepare for the "new" future we are encouraging you to share in our #GivingTuesday #WeAintGoingNowhere campaign.
Follow our social media pages on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 and learn more about our businesses, our impact in the community, and why our survival is paramount to diversity and inclusion in Boston. Share our campaign with your networks and let's show the world how community takes care of each other.
THE CHALLENGE
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted black communities at a disproportionate rate affecting both our health and economic prosperity while exposing the vast inequalities and systems that allow it. Particularly vulnerable are Boston’s black-owned bars and restaurants, all of which have lost more than 90% of their revenue amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Of the data, these stand out –
● 83% of these businesses are located in Roxbury;
● 75% of the customer base are people of color (“POC”);
● 88% of the workforce, primarily POC, were laid off during this crisis, affecting 116 households;
● $1.2 million dollars of estimated revenues were lost by the businesses March, April, and May 2020
● 100% of the businesses will have to consider closing doors for good if the status quo continues.
The statement outlines alarming statistics that paint a picture of devastation for our neighborhood businesses. We know from previous reports that Black Bostonians already operate at a quarter of a million-dollar deficit but, this is further compounded by their overrepresentation in vulnerable sectors such as leisure, hospitality, transportation, and retail. The data is clear, Black and minority-owned businesses that continue to operate during this recession are about 60% less likely than their peers to receive 100% of the financing needed to sustain their business.
“We are 5 of 8 of 1200+[Boston liquor licenses]. With those numbers, we were never in a place to make it. Sad part is, this is not just a Boston or Industry problem.”
– RC Smith, Urban Food and Beverage, Owner
We are at a critical juncture - one that decides the survival of our businesses and the livelihood of our neighborhoods. Our businesses represent the rich history of Black Boston and our future successes. Simply put – Black-Owned Bars and Restaurants will die without help.
ABOUT THE BOSTON BLACK HOSPITALITY COALITION:
The Boston Black Hospitality Coalition (BBHC) was created out of the necessity to have a focused initiative that prioritizes ensuring the preservation of Boston’s Black-owned hospitality community. Comprised of five of Boston’s only eight black liquor license holders of restaurants and bars in the city: Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, District 7 Tavern, Savvor Restaurant & Lounge, Soleil Restaurant & Catering, and Wally’s Jazz Café.
Organizer and beneficiary
Boston Black Hospitality Coalition
Organizer
Boston, MA
Nia Grace
Beneficiary