in today’s “that shyt don’t match news”
Often times, the Black community scratches it’s head when the numbers are heard relating to the TRLLIONS of dollars that are spent YEARLY by the community, but never make it TO the community.
Maybe it’s because the brands you are SO loyal to aren’t owned by you.. a Black face on a box doesn’t equate to ownership people…
Here are the top ten brands that seem to be “Black owned” that Black folks support by the millions without getting any return.
10. Black Entertainment Television
If black is in the name, it must be black owned, right? The network was founded by an African American, Robert Johnson, in the ’80s, but in 2003, BET was sold to Viacom, which also owns MTV and VH1. The sale made Johnson one of the first black billionaires. Ballin’!
9. Def Jam Records
The label, born out of a college dorm room and built on MCs like Run-DMC, Jay-Z and Kanye West, is commonly associated with its co-founder, Russell Simmons, who escaped a financial mishap by selling 50 percent of the label to Polygram in 1994. In 1999, Russell sold his stake in the business to Universal Musical Group for $100 million. No wonder the label’s more Rihanna than raps these days.
8. Marc Ecko
If you’re into urban wear, then you may already know that Marc Ecko is a thirtysomething New Jersey native who never tried to pass for black. Instead the man whose line was once considered “too white” or “too black” for some retailers has attracted multiethnic consumers by cleverly targeting urban markets. But where does the rhino fit?
7. Jimmy Jazz (a Hood mainstay)
The 20-year-old company, which has more than 120 stores throughout the United States, housing lines like Baby Phat, Rocawear and Coogi, was founded by James Kherzie. The young Brooklynite opened the store as an alternative outlet for hard-to-find urban brands. Despite hip-hop’s lyrical mentions of the brand, the name is based on the song ‘Jimmy Jazz’ by punk rockers The Clash. London calling?
6. Essence Magazine
The publication that was once the second largest black publication hasn’t been black owned since the remaining minority stake in Essence Communications Inc. was sold to Time Inc. in 2005. The corporation originally purchased 49 percent of the popular African American publication in 2000, leaving the style bible in the hands of a man more partial to Brooks Brothers than Carol’s Daughter.
5. ‘The Game’
The popular CW show, which is set to have second life on BET, was created by Mara Brock Akil, but one of the producers behind the black dramedy is Kelsey Grammer. Grammer is best known for his role on ‘Cheers’ as Frasier, and his production Grammnet was also responsible for the African American comedy ‘Girlfriends.’
4. The George Foreman Grill
Say it isn’t so! The household staple bearing George Foreman’s name is not owned by the former heavyweight champion. The grill’s inventor, Michael Boem, sought out George because he was a burger freak known to consume the item before fights. The money behind the grill? Salton Inc., which was later acquired by Applica, and George sold the rights to the use of his name in 1999 for $127 million and stock options.
3. Church’s Chicken
No, we don’t think African Americans have a super-size love for chicken but we do know that Church’s is scattered across numerous urban neighborhoods occupied by minorities. The founder targeted areas where Kentucky Fried Chicken, at the time, would not locate. George Church started the no-frills chain in Texas before being acquired by a public company and then sold to a private equity firm. Chuuch!
3 (a) .. Popeye’s Chicken – Honorable mention goes out to Popeye’s in this category… Black folk support this place like the own the farm the chickens were raised on … and yet, not ONE franchise (that we could find) is Black owned or operated.
2. T.V. One
The network that has revived ‘A Different World” is not 1980s BET in the making. T.V. One is primarily a partnership between Radio One’s Cathy Hughes and the mammoth cable company Comcast Corporation. But we do love ‘Unsung,’ though.
1. SoftSheen Carson
If you’re thinking of hair care products, items by SoftSheen Carson probably come to mind. The 46-year-old Softsheen brand was acquired by L’Oreal in 1998 and merged with another minority brand, Carson Products. The company that helps many black women maintain their hair is actually owned by L’Oreal USA, which is owned by the parent Parisian company L’Oreal Group. We knew Kelly Rowland was just the face for Dark & Lovely.
*Editor’s note* Because our article is being plagiarized to the highest levels. we do maintain that the original list was compiled by an unknown source., but was reblogged on KMBA. The commentary written here and the list additions were written and researched by the MadMan. Please don’t steal our shit and not give credit. For more details about the Plagiarizing debacle click here.
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161 Comments
Everything you mention is true that I know of but, I know Hank Aaron own a Popeye’s and Church’s in Atlanta. Overall this is a good post!
Everything you mention is true that I know of but, I know Hank Aaron own a Popeye’s and Church’s in Atlanta. Overall this is a good post!
Majority of these I already knew. I read through the comments and it’s a lot of division. It seems many of you say teach our children about this or that…it seems after you learn something is not black owned you want to teach children how to be about being black or something. I don’t have to teach my children that, they already know. I want to teach them to be successful in life and be great citizens to the world, not do something because a bunch of “non-black” people are being successful because they were taught that they could do anything they put their minds to or whatever may be the case. People talk about racism and it’s so easy to see…there is nothing wrong with wanting to support ‘black owned businesses’ but not make it seem that if its not black owned its not right….I can only imagine what the world will be like 15 years from now. I just pray for the best.
Majority of these I already knew. I read through the comments and it’s a lot of division. It seems many of you say teach our children about this or that…it seems after you learn something is not black owned you want to teach children how to be about being black or something. I don’t have to teach my children that, they already know. I want to teach them to be successful in life and be great citizens to the world, not do something because a bunch of “non-black” people are being successful because they were taught that they could do anything they put their minds to or whatever may be the case. People talk about racism and it’s so easy to see…there is nothing wrong with wanting to support ‘black owned businesses’ but not make it seem that if its not black owned its not right….I can only imagine what the world will be like 15 years from now. I just pray for the best.
Here’s the thing…black folks don’t support one another…if you do make it BIG not small but BIG…you make it because of non-blacks (for the most part) supporting what you are doing. sooooooooooo sad!
Here’s the thing…black folks don’t support one another…if you do make it BIG not small but BIG…you make it because of non-blacks (for the most part) supporting what you are doing. sooooooooooo sad!
3a is not accurate. There is a Black couple in South Carolina that owns four Popeyes franchises.
3a is not accurate. There is a Black couple in South Carolina that owns four Popeyes franchises.
I use, watch, or wear none of these things….But interesting. Great article!
I use, watch, or wear none of these things….But interesting. Great article!
I don’t get why TV One is on the list. Last time I checked, Cathy Hughes was a Black woman.
I don’t get why TV One is on the list. Last time I checked, Cathy Hughes was a Black woman.
Church’s Chicken in my city & surrounding areas is Black-owned. dont know about Church’s Chicken as a whole tho
Church’s Chicken in my city & surrounding areas is Black-owned. dont know about Church’s Chicken as a whole tho
Never to late to start a change! Support Black Owned its a movement!
Never to late to start a change! Support Black Owned its a movement!
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NIgggers ruin everything!
NIgggers ruin everything!
AINT THIS SOME SHIT
AINT THIS SOME SHIT
Should whites only support white-owned businesses, then? Isn’t that racist thinking?
Your portray both in fat not to mention polymer-bonded by means
of “trademark drainage in color plummeting in lips and as well , chin” of predominantly your wife individuals.
The royal couple met at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and got
married in 2004 in Copenhagen. The remaining task, which is the closing
of business deals, rests in you.
Your portray both in fat not to mention polymer-bonded by means
of “trademark drainage in color plummeting in lips and as well , chin” of predominantly your wife individuals.
The royal couple met at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney and got
married in 2004 in Copenhagen. The remaining task, which is the closing
of business deals, rests in you.
Well I’m white and i’ve Ioved Popeyes from the first time I tried it. Then they started featuring a black woman in their ads which sort of ‘implied’ that it was a black owned company. Still loved it. Now you’re telling me it ain’t so. Still love it. Guess folks of all colors probably rate products by their intrinsic value provided, rather than what the folks who own them look like. Now specific individuals may make a difference. Please don’t tell me that Ray Kurzweil,
Michael Vick or anyone high up in Monsanto have big positions in Popeyes. That would create a conflict. I’d still love the product and hate the company.
Well I’m white and i’ve Ioved Popeyes from the first time I tried it. Then they started featuring a black woman in their ads which sort of ‘implied’ that it was a black owned company. Still loved it. Now you’re telling me it ain’t so. Still love it. Guess folks of all colors probably rate products by their intrinsic value provided, rather than what the folks who own them look like. Now specific individuals may make a difference. Please don’t tell me that Ray Kurzweil,
Michael Vick or anyone high up in Monsanto have big positions in Popeyes. That would create a conflict. I’d still love the product and hate the company.
For one they need to change the title to Black Owned products that sold to white companies. See this the reason why we don’t have our own we are quick to sell to white owned companies. All of these with the exception of Church’s and Popeye’s was started by blacks but we sold it too whites. Note to black business owners know how to proper market, advertised, and brand yourself so you don’t sell your products to these white companies.
For one they need to change the title to Black Owned products that sold to white companies. See this the reason why we don’t have our own we are quick to sell to white owned companies. All of these with the exception of Church’s and Popeye’s was started by blacks but we sold it too whites. Note to black business owners know how to proper market, advertised, and brand yourself so you don’t sell your products to these white companies.
There is a black owned Popeyes in Saginaw Michigan.
There is a black owned Popeyes in Saginaw Michigan.
That’s crazy,and we as blacks and Native Americans, are the biggest supporters.and we don’t own anything that we patronize, SMH
That’s crazy,and we as blacks and Native Americans, are the biggest supporters.and we don’t own anything that we patronize, SMH
Unbelievable ! We’ve been bamboozled . Thanx for letting me know .
Unbelievable ! We’ve been bamboozled . Thanx for letting me know .