The Disparity Study
Empowering the voice of the black businesses and restoring financial prosperity of black communities
Washington D.C. is the seat of the U.S. government, and was once the home to bustling areas of black commerce such as Black Broadway — the commercial, intellectual, and cultural life for blacks from the 1920s to the 1950s. By 1970, D.C. boasted a black population of well over 70% and was affectionately dubbed Chocolate City. Today however, the black population has decreased to 46% with 26% of such living in poverty.
We anticipate this study will reveal the ongoing discrimination and disenfranchisement that sparked the turning point and decline of thriving black businesses, and what can be done to influence the formation of race-equity solutions and rebuild black communities.
Why it Matters
Equality for Tomorrow Begins Today
Establishing Greater Wealth
Increasing Black Business Capacity
Skyrocketing Economic Opportunity
Disrupting racial barriers
Creating employment opportunities
There are many ways to get involved
More than an awareness moment, this is a movement and we need your help. If you are a black-owned or black-led business who has conducted or currently conducting business with the District, we need your participation in the Disparity Study. Areas of opportunity include: educating black business and black communities, focus groups, interviews and surveys, and testimonies. This is your frontline opportunity to make a lasting impact.
Donate now to support our efforts to bring awareness to the District’s Disparity Study and actively rewrite an economic narrative impacting generations to come.
Your gift will help protect the wealth and economic progression of black businesses, their families, and communities.