In honor of Black History Month, Florida A&M student leaders Jasmine Daniels and YuKwon Toney are collaborating with local Black-owned businesses for their “Black and Business-Minded” initiative.
For the month of February, students with a FAMU ID can benefit from 10-20% discounts at select businesses. All students have to do is show their FAMU ID when making a purchase.
“Happy Black History Month,” the duo said via Instagram. “Rattler to Rattler, we got you!”
Students can enjoy Black History Month deals on meals, nails, desserts and photoshoots.
Participating local businesses include Olean’s Cafe, Sole Queen, Sugar Rush (also open to FSU students), Leola’s Crab Shack, SneauxBall, 9th Ave. Cafe and Ryders Water Ice (only on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Daniels, a junior senator, said she and Toney wanted to treat their peers while helping Black-owned businesses in the community.
“We wanted to do something for the students and support Black businesses,” Daniels said.
The goal of the initiative is to give more exposure to local Black-owned businesses. This is important considering The Brooking Institute’s discovery that Black people make up 12.7% of the U.S. population, but only 4.3% are one of 22.2 million business owners in the country. These businesses need all the support they can get.
Daniels said she thinks there are many minority-owned businesses in Tallahassee that should be more well-known.
“There are a lot of Black businesses in the area, but people don’t really know about them,” she said.
There are a few FAMU student-run businesses the duo partnered with as well. GeekNailss, The Kidd Kreations and Desserts by Monie can all be found on the university’s campus.
“We found it important to include student-run businesses,” Daniels said. “Students need money and want to grow their businesses.”
In order for Daniels and Toney to reach their goals with the “Black and Business-Minded” initiative, students must participate and spend their money at these local minority-owned businesses. The businesses would benefit by getting more exposure and gaining profit and clientele.
Student customers get the opportunity to help their community while enjoying something in the process. The 10-20% off deals are running from now until the end of the month. Let’s see just how often Rattlers are ready to strike!