Haringey becomes UK’s first council to support Black Pound Day

Haringey is the first local authority in the country to declare its support for Black Pound Day (Saturday 27 June) and throughout the day we highlighted a range of the borough’s Black-owned businesses and sharing their stories on our social media channels using the hashtags #BlackPoundDay and #IAmHaringey.

This year Haringey also launched its Business Pledge, aiming to create a safe environment for local businesses and their customers, recognising the unique character of our diverse high streets.

Last year, Haringey agreed a Community Wealth Building approach, aiming to create an economy rooted in the community, with local business at its heart.

Meanwhile, the Haringey Fairness Commission, which launched in 2018, received input from thousands of residents about the inequalities that exist in the borough and how they can be addressed.

Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, Leader of Haringey Council, said: “Black Pound Day is a positive initiative that we are getting behind in Haringey. Our view of the Black Lives Matter movement is not just about keeping Black people alive, but it is also about improving the lives that Black people live. We are very much aware of the many barriers and difficulties that Black entrepreneurs face in starting up businesses and keeping them profitable.

“I’m proud that Haringey is the first local authority to give its official backing to Black Pound Day, as one of London and the country’s most diverse areas, it’s even more important that we show leadership on issues that directly affect so many in our community. Black Pound Day should be more of a movement, than just a moment.

“Haringey is home to many excellent Black-owned businesses that serve the local community well. It’s right that we give them our support and help them to thrive.”