Google promotes Black-owned small businesses in a new commercial for Black Friday.
Titled “Black-Owned Friday” and directed by Daps, the film features comedian Desi Banks, singer Tanerélle and dozens of SMB owners, with 100 products from 50 Black-owned establishments.
Serving as soundtrack is an original song performed by Grammy winner T-Pain and singer Normani, whose lyrics include:
“Even the candles came from a Black man
Furniture handcrafted by Black hands
You know we eatin’ good food cooked in Inglewood
Look on the package and you can see the hood
I need a good collar for my dog—I’ma hit up my dog
I need flowers for my mother—I’ma hit up my brother
It’s about time we start helping each other.
… Wake up … Wake up … Wake up.”
Throughout the ad, the special “B”/heart badge appears alongside results for Google searches such as “Black-owned businesses near me.”
T-Pain also appears in the ad. He is seen wearing a rose gold watch from Talley & Twine, one of the featured businesses in an elevator that takes a woman to an eclectic high street, where she finds colorful storefronts and businesses selling an array of items, from artwork to books to haircare products.
“I’ve developed a true passion for small businesses and I admire the hard work it takes to make them successful. I love doing whatever I can to support them,” said T-Pain in a press statement.
