In 1938, two Black-owned newspapers (the Minneapolis Spokesman and the Saint Paul Recorder) published a list of "Preferred Firms." These were establishments that were Black-owned or that employed Black people. Businesses that advertised in the Recorder were also included. Like a Twin Cities version of the Green Book, the list called on Black shoppers to purchase strategically and to support the development of Black commerce.

Today, the now-joint Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) carries on this legacy of supporting Black entrepreneurship in the state. The news organization recently launched its Black Business Directory as a way to support and celebrate Black businesses across the state. Black business owners can list their business on the digital platform for free, or pay a monthly fee for increased visibility. 

The call to support Black-owned businesses remains vital today. According to a 2024 study carried out by the National Urban League, Black-owned businesses are less likely to receive financial support than white-owned businesses. When they do receive loans, Black business owners are usually approved for lower amounts with higher interest rates in comparison to white business owners. Black-owned businesses also tend to be newer and smaller than white-owned businesses, and there are disproportionately fewer Black-owned businesses across the country. Here in Minnesota, the Urban League Twin Cities reported that only 25% of Black Minnesotans own homes, compared to 76% of white Minnesotans. The report also found that Black-owned businesses in Minnesota make less money on average than white-owned businesses. Projects like the MSR Black Business Directory are a great way to get to know more local Black businesses and start shopping intentionally.