The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Chattanooga Chapter kicked off its “Black Dollar Days” Campaign Tuesday morning.
Due to success from last year’s campaign, “Black Dollar Day” has been extended for several days.
Starting today, the African American Community is asked to purchase two dollar bills from the four participating banks: Amsouth, First Tennessee, SunTrust, and Tennessee Valley Credit Union, and then spend those $2 bills for four days, February 11th – 14th.
"Black Dollar Days is an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the black dollar. African Americans are vital contributors to our economy," said National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Chattanooga Chapter President Tanya Gipson.
She said, “Nationally, African American consumers will account for almost 9 cents out of every dollar that is spent in 2009 (Source: Multicultural Economy Power 2004, America’s Minority Buying Power, Georgia Economic and Business Conditions).”
Also in attendance at today’s news conference were community supporters of the award winning campaign. They included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce, Chattanooga Area Urban league, Chattanooga City Councilmen: John Franklin Jr., Yusuf A. Hakeem, Leamon Pierce, and John Taylor, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NOBLE, NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Children from Chattanooga Human Services were surprised with $2 bills from First Tennessee Bank.
Sherrie Gilchrist, Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce President, stated, “The Chattanooga African American Chamber of Commerce is delighted to partner with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women in this endeavor to promote awareness of the Black spending power in Chattanooga. Hopefully, as these days become increasingly more popular – two things will happen: Blacks will be more aware of where they spend their dollars and what the economic impact is for businesses in our community. Secondly, we can compare our spending with various businesses and what they do to help advance the economic empowerment of African Americans in this community.”
First Tennessee Bank brought $2 bills.
- Photo2 by Trinette Hardison-Ballard