Getting Black Businesses in the Black: Chicago Couple Vows to Spend Income with Black-Owned Firms

Maggie and John Anderson are plastered throughout magazines, newspapers and on television programs all because they've vowed to put the black community back in the black. Starting last January 1st, the couple pledged that for a full calendar year, they would only “buy black.” That means the money they spend for food, gas, vacations, and all other purchases would be purchased from black-owned companies. Their finances have been switched to Covenant Bank, a black-owned institution, and they even hope to to have their student loans transferred to a black creditor. Both blacks and whites have applauded their efforts. While some accuse them of being racist. They've been tracking their efforts and so far their Empowerment Experiment has resulted in a whopping $42,100 of their income going to black businesses. We'll be talking to the Andersons and taking your comments on this week's McKenzie Business Forum.