Tensions between the Asian American and Black American communities have hit a massive strain in the past few weeks, ignited by a recent not guilty verdict in the tragic 2023 murder case of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton.
The ruling made waves across social media, with many within and outside the Black community outraged. It was a powder keg for the Black community that seemed to highlight discriminatory and prejudiced events that the Asian American community has committed against the black community in the past.
However, it wasn’t until the discussion ignited across TikTok and certain Asian American creators mocked a proposed boycott of Asian businesses. Black activists were quick to urge their supporters to extend the boycott to local asian businesses and instead pivot their spending to specifically black-owned stores.
The black and asian communities within the United States have a unique history shared together. Many Asian communities, typically Chinese Americans, were all but forced to open up businesses within majority-black neighborhoods and towns due to discrimination by banks, which refused to issue loans for Asian businesses in white suburbs.
Despite the success of these businesses, there was always an ever-present friction between Asian business owners and black customers. Many have felt the same or similar racial profiling from these businesses as they do with white businesses. Despite these places relying on money from Black communities, for many, it doesn’t seem like they feel respected.
So, why bother spending in a place that doesn’t welcome you?
