Cast Members Support Black Business Economy with Over $130,000 in Purchases!
In February 2023, Disney Cast Members were encouraged to support Black-owned businesses as a cornerstone of Disney’s Black History Month programming.
Cast Members went above and beyond with the challenge surpassing the year’s $50,000 goal.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The 2023 Black Business Challenge numbers are in, and Cast Members made over $130,000 in purchases supporting the Black business economy.
Recognizing an Opportunity
Photo: Disney Impact
Disney’s Black business employee resource groups (BERG) recognized the historical underinvestment and support of Black-owned businesses. They sought a fun way to encourage their fellow cast members, support businesses, and raise awareness.
The group created a friendly competition encouraging Cast Members to support selected businesses from a curated list of Black licensees.
Photo: Creative Soul
The list included businesses that Disney partners with throughout the year.
Creative Soul Photography, Actively Black, and Chef Nina Catering were some popular stand outs boasting over 500 purchases.
Encouraging Colleagues
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“When I was first approached to support the work of this year’s Buy Black Challenge, I was a bit anxious,” shared Doug Johnson, Buy Black Challenge Co-Lead.
“I’ve been one to support Black businesses generally as a consumer, but the idea of wrangling my fellow colleagues to do the same seemed a bit daunting. However, as I worked alongside Ivy to organize and administer the work, I marveled at how the challenge took on a life of its own.”
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
The Buy Black Challenge leadership created street teams where the consumers purchased items and posted
Receipts were tracked and numbers tallied by the organization.
The Results?
Photo: Washington Post
The street teams spent $136,542 in just 27 days. Wakanda@Disney came in 1st place with over $21,000 supporting black businesses.
Florida PULSE took second place spending $19,000. What an amazing impact!
Be sure to follow Disney Cast Life for more amazing stories about Disney Cast Members.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond- level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Feature Photo: Disney
Article Source and Feature Photo: Disney Cast Life
