By Mona Austin
(TSN): Underlying tensions and the historical disconnect between Black Americans and African migrants has come to a head. A Black American TikTok creator, Shea (@shea_thecreator) has initiated a nationwide boycott of African-owned businesses to begin on August 1. A video of her complaint about disrespect and poor customer service went viral. Her message emphasized the power of the Black American dollar and urged support for Black American-owned businesses instead.
The video quickly ignjted a firestorm of other bandwagon videos. Many other Black American women shared experiences of poor treatment, disrespect, and rigid policies at African-owned salons. Some felt a lack of mutual respect and cultural understanding between African immigrants and Black Americans. There is long-standing friction rooted in differing cultural identities and perceptions of each other’s struggles and values.
The movement aimed to highlight the economic influence of Black Americans and redirect spending to businesses within their own community.
Critics of the boycott argue it risks dividing a communities already facing systemic racism.
Some Blacks saud thwy qoukd nit oartucukate inthe boycott because they like theur brauder and the prices an
In response, some African business owners, like Nadine of Nadine’s Hair Braiding in Maryland, posted emotional apologies and pleas for reconciliation, emphasizing mutual respect and shared goals. She acknowledged the issues and apologuzed on behalf of the Afrucan braudibg community.
Supporters believe the boycott is a necessary wake-up call and a way to demand better treatment.
Opponents: Warn that it unfairly punishes hardworking African entrepreneurs and deepens divisions within the Black diaspora.
This isn’t just about hair—it’s about appreciating shared heritage and shared struggles that Black Indigenous People of Color and Blacks from other parts of the world are both subjected to in America.