#BlackPoundDay

Today is Black Pound Day. On the first Saturday of every month, people are encourage to locally and online with black-owned businesses invest in communities that have a history of being at a disadvantage economically.

The concept of Battersea native Swiss, from So Solid Crew, the first Black Pound Day was held on 27 June and so far has raised £100,000s for black-owned British companies.

A couple of months ago I received an invite from the WCC to join a mass cycle ride in Tooting which highlighted local black-owned businesses and addressed concerns around gentrification and small businesses being squeezed out by rent, an issue that many parts of London are struggling with.

It was my first mass ride experience and I have to say it was great to see so many people come out in support of the Wandsworth Black Lives Matter organisation that put the event on. The Black Cyclist Network were in attendance too and did a great job marshalling the ride and ensuring everybody stayed safe on a route that started on the Common and then took in Tooting High St, Mitcham Rd, parts of Balham and a couple of LTNs.

A great day all round and great way of getting to know my neighbours and the BCN guys, hoping for many more to come.