Summary
Background of Protests
In summer 2020, cities around the U.S. — and even the world — erupted in protests denouncing racial injustice after the killing of George Floyd. Among the demonstrators in Brooklyn, New York, was local comedian Jon Laster. Although the amplified support of the Black Lives Matter movement may have been encouraging to some, Laster knew that more needed to be done.
Introduction to Blapp
“I was out marching during the BLM protests and realized that the marches were going to end and we as a people were going to end up back in the same place,” Laster reflected. “So, I went home and decided that my contribution needed to be something that would create lasting change.”
Thus, with that epiphany, and the help of a few tech-savvy friends, Blapp was born about a year later. This marketplace app facilitates finding and supporting Black-owned businesses in cities across the U.S. and select destinations globally.
Features of Blapp
Blapp includes a map function that allows users to view a list of Black-owned businesses nearby and filter by categories such as:
- Restaurants
- Bookstores
- Hair Salons
- Therapists
- Accountants
- And more
Moreover, Blapp also features online businesses selling a variety of products ranging from women’s clothing to artwork and home decor.
Future Goals
“My goal for the future of Blapp is that it will be part of the thought process of the consumer. If people consider checking Blapp in the future, then Black-owned businesses will do better than ever before in the history of this country,” Laster noted.
Importance of Blapp
For those who may not understand the significance of an app like Blapp, Laster is not concerned. He is confident that the right individuals will find it useful. “There will always be those trying to justify the unjustifiable. That’s not the focus of Blapp,” he stated. “The focus is to get the word out to those who understand that the Black community has faced unique challenges in gaining financial footing in this country, from slavery to underrepresented relationships with banks, leading to Black-owned businesses failing during the pandemic.”
Furthermore, for those who recognize the value of Blapp, Laster emphasized that its success hinges on consumers downloading and using the app while also sharing it extensively.
Blapp is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. For more details regarding the app, visit blappapp.com.
Jessica Poitevien is a contributor currently based in South Florida and always on the lookout for the next adventure. Beyond traveling, she enjoys baking, engaging with new acquaintances, and taking long walks on the beach. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
