Where Are All the Black Folx Going?

Hello friends,

If you've had any conversations with Black people this year, you'll probably have heard a version of the conversation about finding spaces where they (we) feel safer and more valued. This isn't new, of course. But there's a real impetus now to create what doesn't exist so that people racialised as Black have spaces where they can be, and escape from the whiteness all around them. That's leading to new opportunities and real innovation.

As a result of those conversations, I've compiled a short list of the spaces I've been able to find, prioritising those founded by Black and Global Majority folx, which have an online component to allow wider access, and whose focus is business networking. Some of these have been around for quite a while, while others are just about to launch.

1. Hiyer

Hiyer is a curated professional platform where independent experts achieve premium positioning, strategic relationships, and economic success. The network prioritises quality voices over algorithmic noise, providing meaningful professional conversations without vanity metrics. Members receive instant guidance on rate optimisation, client positioning, and strategic business decisions through AI-powered coaching available 24/7. Founded by Louis and Anita Byrd. (I'm a founding member of Hiyer, which launches soon.)

2. The Black Rise

The Black Rise is a global social business network designed to help Black professionals fast-track their career and business goals. They say: "We unite the entire Black ecosystem, communities, businesses, investors, and talent on one platform built for collaboration and collective progress." Founded by Flavilla Fongang.