Written by: Jasmine Ballard

In recent years, there's been a significant push to support Black businesses and services. While this movement is incredibly important, it's also crucial to address an issue that often goes unspoken: the inconsistent quality and customer service within our own community. We often talk about the treatment we receive from other cultures, but what about how we treat ourselves?

Let me share a recent experience that hit home for me:

My family had a reunion, and we were all excited to support a Black-owned food truck. My mom coordinated everything through several conversations with them. They knew exactly how many people were coming, what our food needs were, and they even joked about making sure there was enough salt on the food because, you know, Black folks love flavor! Fast forward to the day of the event, a scorching 95-degree day at the park. We were ready to eat and enjoy ourselves, but the food truck showed up an hour late. Their generator went out multiple times, and we had to wait over 30 minutes to get a simple burger, hot dog, and fries.

The mood of our 40+ family members shifted dramatically because of this experience. The food truck staff didn't seem to care—they'd already been paid in full. My mom summed up the experience perfectly: "Why is it that every time we work with our people, it's like this?"

It was frustrating, disheartening, and it made me realize how vital it is for us to set a new standard. Experiences like mine aren't uncommon. We often encounter issues like unprofessional behavior, lack of communication, and subpar products or services. These challenges not only affect customer satisfaction but also the overall reputation of Black businesses.

To address these issues, we need to understand their roots. Systemic barriers and historical contexts have long impacted Black businesses, often limiting access to resources and opportunities. Additionally, the "crabs in a barrel" mentality—where individuals pull each other down rather than uplift—can further hinder progress. This mentality stems from a history of competition for limited resources and opportunities, fostering a sense of distrust and rivalry within the community.

A spirit of excellence involves a commitment to high standards in all aspects of business and service. It's about consistently delivering quality products and exceptional customer service. This commitment not only helps build customer loyalty and a positive reputation but also uplifts the entire community by setting a standard for others to follow.

1. Continuous learning and improvement are key. Business owners and service providers should seek out training programs and workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge.

2. Encourage customers to provide honest feedback and use it to make necessary improvements.

3. Create a culture where excellence is the norm, and employees are held accountable for their performance.

4. Learn from successful businesses within and outside the community, and implement best practices to improve operations.

Improving the quality of Black businesses and services is a collective effort. The community must support businesses striving for excellence by providing constructive feedback and patronizing those that meet high standards. Sharing positive experiences and recommending quality businesses can help uplift the community and set a new standard.

Striving for excellence in Black businesses and services is not just about individual success; it's about collective progress. By committing to high standards and supporting each other, we can create a stronger, more resilient community. Let's elevate our standards, hold ourselves accountable, and make excellence the norm.

We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Have you encountered exceptional Black businesses that exemplify a spirit of excellence? Share your recommendations in the comments below and help us uplift our community.