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Date: 8/17/2021
SPRINGFIELD – After a successful run in 2020, Dine Black has returned to Springfield and the surrounding communities.
During the month of August, residents are encouraged to dine at local, black-owned businesses and restaurants for the chance to shop small and win a prize.
The first ten people who visit five participating restaurants and spend $10 or more at each during the month can win a $100 Visa Gift Card.
“There seems to be this growing sense of competition. People are posting more at the restaurants, sharing that they’re participating which is super cool because it gets the excitement up,” said Tara Parrish, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Project.
The goal of Dine Black is to help give small, black-owned businesses more exposure, especially during the time of COVID-19.
The program was started in 2020 by City Councilor Tracye Whitfield and the Association of Black Business & Professionals. The Pioneer Valley Project has joined for this year’s event.
According to Dr. Katrina Banks from the Association of Black Business & Professions, Dine Black not only helps with business exposure but also with new food and cuisine consumption.
“I want people from out of Springfield to come and visit these restaurants. Experience what they’re all about and try the different cuisines and see what they’re all about,” said Banks.
Parrish emphasized how important it is to try the variety of cuisines, support the local community and get excited about what the Springfield area has to offer.
“These are among the small businesses that have been most deeply impacted by COVID-19 too, so creating that energy and that push I think really creates optimism for what lies ahead,” she said. “Go put your money into the community at places where we can create this energy to grow and keep moving.”
In 2020, Dine Black had 16 participating restaurants. This year, they have over 20.
Both Banks and Parrish agreed that with the continued success of the event, they hope to grow it even bigger next year.
Those interested in learning more about Dine Black or seeing a list of participating restaurants can visit https://www.abbpofma.org/.