CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- Many people are participating in a nation-wide boycott called "Blackout Tuesday" to support black-owned businesses.
The event was inspired by rapper T.I., who has called for Black people
to not spend any money for the day, unless it's from a Black-owned business.
Ten vendors showcased their businesses at First Christian Church of Carbondale.
News 3 spoke to one vendor who talked about why it's important to support Black entrepreneurs.
Miz BJ's Hair Haven owner Barbara Timmons says when she got out of prison, she was inspired to take a better path.
"I had to find something to keep me occupied, find something I was passionate, so I could stay focused, you know, on being a better person and being a pillar to the community instead of a problem," she said.
So she started Miz BJ's Hair Haven, the only beauty supply store in Williamson County and the only beauty supply store with a hair salon in the region.
Customers come from Harrisburg to Paducah.
"Whether you're black, white, Caucasian, everybody comes in here 'cause everybody wants hair or wigs or having some sort of hair loss problem. And I'm here to help the community and help them find their beauty," she said.
Her business is one of 10 others that's participating in Carbondale's Blackout Tuesday event.
"You don't have a whole lot of black businesses out here. So I think with the blackout it's very important to shop with the black businesses because we need the support."
Timmons says when she looks back at her journey, she says she's proud she can now provide a service to her community.
"I want to be encouraging, I want to be uplifted and not only that, but I want to help others be successful if they're starting their own business also," she said.
And she has more ideas in store for the future.
"You know I foresee maybe probably try a school or establishing a school or some kind of informational program to start heir own business," she said.
The event also included a march, speakers and a table to come register to vote.
Research from the University of Georgia says Black people are the largest racial consumer market and expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2021.
