Side Hustle-Main Hustle

Abstract

Communities on every level in the United States have been plagued by racism for two and a half centuries. The systems in place in our country perpetuate the racial injustice which continues to this day. Because the injustice and inequities in our country are rooted in our very structures and systems of functioning, systemic change is required. Ultimately, it would be ideal to maximize resources and provide education as to how to secure and access resources that have historically been unattainable for African American communities. Furthermore, identifying community networks of Black-owned owned businesses that can rely on each other for cohesion and support can in turn strengthen communities and aid them in becoming more sustainable and self-reliant. Understanding the dynamics of racial disparities becomes essential to finding solutions and achieving equality. Funding leaders of color then becomes an essential factor as African American leaders bring strategies that offer an intimate understanding of the racial experiences of communities of color and the associated issues these communities face. I have documented Black-owned side businesses, conducting ethnographic research through photographic and video documentation of some of the businesses and interviews. Due to the impact of COVID-19, observation and documentation of locations was modified to observe the current health and safety protocols of the business and community. It was preferable to interview as well as to actively observe the businesses but in some cases the only option was to rely solely on proprietor interview. The result has been the development of a comprehensive business plan for a resource center that will pool resources for business owners and offer networking support for mentorship to aid leaders of color to follow a trajectory for success to develop businesses, grow businesses or make their side hustle their main hustle.