A city councillor is urging businesses to support Black Pound Day tomorrow, in order to address some of the inequalities that exist locally and nationally.

Cllr Sharon Thompson, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods talks about why Birmingham is backing Black Pound Day, says the national initiative is an important step in addressing some of the inequalities that exist between different communities.

Black Pound Day, is a monthly event which encourages shoppers to spend with black-owned businesses.

Tomorrow is the August edition of Black Pound Day.

The initiative was established following Black Lives Matter protests sweeping across the globe, demanding change to racial inequality following the death of American George Floyd.

After gaining major traction in London, organisers are now pushing for the initiative to become more wide-spread in Birmingham.

Black Pound Day, established by Swiss, member of hip-hop and garage collective So Solid Crew, has gained support Birmingham City Council, being driven by Cllr Thompson.

She said: “Since March, our lives have been a constant adjustment, as communities deal with the impact of Covid-19. This, alongside the global reaction to the death of George Floyd, has highlighted some stark inequalities both across the country and here, in Birmingham.

“National Black Pound Day was created as one of these many moves towards positive action by So Solid Crew member Swiss. It’s been set up to support black businesses and the growth of the UK economy. Black Pound Day invites all communities to consciously spend with black businesses on the first Saturday of each month.

“The city of Birmingham is backing this and encouraging businesses to sign up and register on the Black Pound Day website – ahead of the next event on Saturday, 1 August.

“The economic impact from Covid-19 will continue to affect businesses, but it will have an even greater impact on Black communities.

“We’re already seeing a disparity in business in the UK. Black entrepreneurs are more than twice as likely to be denied a loan than white entrepreneurs and almost 12 per cent more likely to be rejected for an overdraft.

“So, it is vital that we support black businesses so to ensure that they survive.”

Click here for details of black-owned businesses, and use the hashtag #BlackPoundDay on social media.