Black women are the backbone of the Black community. Yet somehow, Black women must often struggle to financially support themselves and their families.
A Brooklyn, NY-based organization is changing that.
Black Women’s Blueprint is an organization formed in 2008. It was formed as a holistic approach to Black intersectionality, being both women and Black.
Black women only make $0.79 for every dollar white men make. Recognizing the hardship Black women in their community experienced, the Black Women’s Blueprint implemented a barter system for their members.
The concept is simple: sustain each other when in need. The members exchange carpooling for babysitting, holistic herbs, and salves for help making deliveries. When money fails them or is out of reach, this organization’s barter system helps them flourish.
Capitalism is an exploitative system that ignores the value of people. A core tenant of building a stronger sense of community is that we give when there is a need. Bartering is the same and has great benefits for us all.