St James AME Church, Elgin, Illinois

SOCIAL ACTION COMMISION

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Chairperson

www.ame-sac.com - website
 

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director/Consultant

[email protected] – email
 

Black Friday Campaign

(Wear Black, Buy Black, Shop Black)
 

The AME Church gave birth to “Black Lives Matter” and now to the “Good Friday Campaign.” Other denominations joined in the effort and people joined in this proclamation; it was interracial and international, with supporters in France, China and other countries joining us. “Black Lives Matter” made a major statement and got the attention of the nation. The “Black Friday Campaign” can do likewise.

Just as AME’s gave leadership to “Black Lives Matter”, we are giving leadership to the “Black Friday Campaign.” This week at the Pan Methodist Commission meeting in Atlanta, all of the Methodist communions gave their support to this effort. Likewise, we urge those who supported “Black Lives Matter” will join the “Black Friday Campaign.”

As a follow up to our “Black Lives Matter” effort, we call upon all of our churches and communities to join us on “Good Friday” in our “Black Friday Campaign.” Beginning “Good Friday”, April 3rd to Memorial Day, Friday, May 25th each of us is called to wear black and buy black on Fridays. What will be the outcome of this campaign?

1)  We can demonstrate the economic power of Blacks in this country. If Blacks in the United States were a nation we would rank twelfth in the world in gross national product, with revenues over one trillion dollars. We would acquire financial discipline to be savers and not just consumers.

2)  We would help to recirculate our dollars, supporting black businesses and causing money to stay in our community. Currently black dollars stay in our community two hours and is gone. In other communities money stays days before it leaves, creating jobs and strengthening those communities

This Black Friday Campaign will also demonstrate that “Black Dollars” matter.

“Good Friday” will kick off this eight week campaign. On Fridays, from 6AM to 6PM from Good Friday until Memorial Day, everyone is asked to “Fast”. This will help us spiritually to be stronger as we begin this initiative. On Fridays, everyone is also asked to wear black and also to buy from Black owned businesses.

For information regarding Black businesses in your communities, tell your congregants to go to the USBC (United States Black Chamber) App and they can see the black businesses in their communities. The local Black Chambers of Commerce and Merchant Association also provide directories and access information. Inform shoppers to tell the business owners that they are supporting the “Black Friday Campaign.”

This Sunday, Palm Sunday, as we begin “Holy Week”, every pastor is asked to announce the “Black Friday Campaign.” As reminders weekly, ask shoppers to spread the word and set calendar alarms.  THEME:  For next 8 weeks, Wear black, buy Black, shop Black!

We will make history and get the attention of the nation. More importantly, we will be empowered, spiritually and economically.  For assistance and information, contact Bishop Reginald T. Jackson at [email protected]. For additional information, contact [email protected].

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