Where Are All the Black Folx Going?

Hello {{ first name | 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.

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.)

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.

Byio (By Invite Only) is the first SaaS, AI-forward social platform founded and owned by Black women. The platform operates as 100% invite-only, with the community deciding who gets on and who stays on. Byio says: "Unlike traditional platforms that alienate and mistreat certain demographics, Byio is everything that all the others are not and can never be, because we prioritize authentic interactions, privacy, and user control." Founded by R.M. Easterly.

Black Connect is a national 501(c)(3) membership and chapter-based organisation dedicated to eliminating the racial wealth gap in America by increasing the number and success rate of Black-owned businesses. Founded by Angela Majette.

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Black Women Empowered has been empowering women all over the world spiritually, personally, and professionally for over a decade. The platform has millions of followers on Facebook and thousands on other social media platforms, providing support and resources around the clock. The directory connects Black women entrepreneurs with opportunities for exposure, networking, and collaboration. Founded by Dr. Jacqueline King.

BYP Network empowers Black professionals globally through career opportunities, mentorship, and industry connections. BYP links members to jobs, mentors, events, and thought leadership while partnering with top organisations to drive workplace diversity and leadership growth. Founded by Kike Oniwinde Agoro.

From the site: "The National Black Women’s Network (NBWN) is an agenda-driven organisation dedicated to increasing the representation, progression and inclusion of women of colour in all sectors of business, professions and Government". Includes SistaTalk, a standalone online social networking platform with 3,000+ members from 27 countries, featuring forums, groups, and digital resources available 24/7. Founded by Sonia Brown MBE.

A network of Black professionals and students across Europe, including virtual workshops, an online job board, mentorship and more. Founded by Enoch Adeyemi.

This is a starting point, and if you know of others that should be on the list, let me know. Plus, if you're already a member of one of these spaces, I'd love you to share your insight in the comments.

Thanks for reading,

Sharon

*I've been mulling over setting up a curated space for my fellow introverts - limited membership and introvert-friendly by design. Let me know if you're interested.

Note: poll feedback is private - if you’re happy to share your thoughts in public, then please also leave a comment.

I am an anti-racism educator and activist, the author of “I’m Tired of Racism”, and co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast.

© Sharon Hurley Hall, 2025. All Rights Reserved. This newsletter is published on beehiiv (affiliate link).