If this week has taught us anything, it's that there are a lot of ways to stand up against systemic racism and police brutality against black Americans. You can protest, you can donate to worthy organizations and if you're white, have meaningful conversations with people of your own race and listen to people of color about racial injustice. But one of the most direct and effective ways to support the black community is to vote. But you not only vote for government officials and policies, you also vote with your dollars, every day. By shopping at black-owned businesses, you'll help fight the racial wealth inequality in America.

According to Federal research, black families have considerable less wealth than white families. In 2016 for example, black families had a median net worth of $17,600, whereas white households had nearly ten times as much at $171,000. However, a study from the same year (PDF) noted that, "Black business owners are wealthier than their peers who do not own businesses, and business ownership creates new wealth faster compared to wage employment." Unfortunately, recent COVID-19 lockdowns have caused the number of black business owners to fall by 40%, far more than other groups, according to the Washington Post.

We've discovered a handful of new (to us) brands this week, simply by keeping our eyes open. Something we're promising to keep doing as we go forward. We've also pulled some brands that should be familiar to any regular Valet. reader. Open your wallet and support creativity and ingenuity. In return, you get some really cool stuff. Of course, while this isn't the only way to help, it's certainly a win-win for everyone involved.