By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
CLLCTIVLY, an ecosystem builder for social impact in Greater Baltimore, hosted CLLCTIVGIVE for the sixth time on Aug. 9. The annual 24-hour crowdfunding campaign, which encourages Baltimoreans to support Black nonprofits and businesses, raised $1,123,723 for 119 Black-led social change organizations.
African-American business owners and nonprofit leaders face unique challenges in securing capital and other resources to sustain their organizations. This annual day of giving enables them to gain no-strings-attached funding that can help them grow and scale their work across Baltimore.
Melva Harris is the owner of GentleMoonBell, a plush toy brand started in 2014. She recently moved to Baltimore to put down stronger roots and grow her business. (AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles)
Sign up for our Daily eBlast to get coverage on Black communities from the media company who has been doing it right for over 130 years.
“Social change organizations, whether for-profit, nonprofit or community-based organizations without a legal struggle, are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities,” said Jamye Wooten, founder of CLLCTIVLY. “These organizations are on the ground, making a meaningful impact, but Black-led organizations often go underfunded. By mobilizing resources, CLLCTIVLY not only supports but also amplifies their efforts, ensuring they have the tools and funding needed to create lasting change in our communities.”
CLLCTIVGIVE fittingly coincides with National Black Philanthropy Month and National Black Business Month. In addition to the donation drive, the campaign included several events for Baltimore’s Black entrepreneurs, including the Black Business Quest, Made in Black at Made in Baltimore and Black and Social at R. House.
One participating entrepreneur was Melva Harris of GentleMoonBell. Harris, who moved from New York to Baltimore a year ago, started her gently-made plush toy brand in 2014.
]]>
“When I was younger, we couldn’t afford stuffed animals and toys. My mom and I lived in a shelter,” said Harris. “She used to sew and fabricate. When she died, I got all of her stuff, and I started sewing.”
Randy Lewis is a native of West Baltimore. He runs Five O’ Clock Co., an organic beard and body care brand. (AFRO Photo/Megan Sayles)
Harris, who also works for Made in Baltimore, plans to settle down in Charm City and continue to expand GentleMoonBell. She emphasized the importance of buying Black and local.
“If you keep your money within the Black community, the community will give back to you in turn. It’s possible,” said Harris. “I see it every day when people come into Made in Baltimore and search for Black-owned businesses.”
Another participating business owner, Randy Lewis, did not initially plan on becoming an entrepreneur. The West Baltimore native had dreams of becoming a veterinarian before he discovered how much schooling the profession required.
]]>
“I didn’t know what I was going to do, but I’ve been growing my beard since I was 20,” said Lewis. “I was buying stuff from the store that was breaking me out and eating my hair up. That’s what prompted me to start my own brand.”
Lewis launched Five O’ Clock Co. out of his home in 2017, using herbs from his garden to craft organic beard and body care products. His wares include handmade beard wash and conditioner, balms and oils, as well as whipped body butters, lotions, bar soaps and face oils.
In 2024, Lewis purchased his first production facility in Baltimore’s Old Town Mall. Next on the docket is acquiring a brick-and-mortar store to sell not just his products but those from other local Black-owned businesses too.
“It’s super important to not only buy local and from small businesses but also Black-owned businesses in particular. There are so many thriving throughout the city,” said Lewis. “You could be helping to make sure that someone’s family has food on the table. A lot of us solely rely on our small business. It’s important for the community to pitch in and keep us thriving.”
]]>
Get your AFRO A CARD today!
Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member. Members will receive exclusive journalism, and directly support the future of the AFRO. You can choose from three membership plans below.
