Recent diversity, equity, and inclusion rollbacks have led many Americans to reconsider their relationship with major retailers like Amazon and Target.

But Dacia Petrie has been waiting for this moment since 2018.

The UI and web designer started her journey as many young women do: with an Instagram page. Here, she curated Black-owned businesses and prominent Black leaders to profile and highlight. 

After enrolling in web design courses at Spelman University, she later launched her app and website Black Nile in 2021.

Its name is a clever response to Amazon.

“I saw somebody in the comments saying that they’re looking for a Black Amazon,” Petrie said in a recent TikTok video.

“Sister, I’mma hold your hand when I say this. This ain’t Amazon. It’s Black Nile.”

The app’s website goes on to add that “The Nile holds a profound symbolism, rich with layers of meaning that resonate deeply with our faith in Christ, our heritage, and unique plight in history.”

What started as Petrie’s goal to “amplify authentic representation of the African Diaspora, and bridge the global racial wealth gap” is now a Black-owned marketplace with over 3,000 Black-owned brands across over 40 product categories.

“I mean every category,” Petrie said in her TikTok video. “Skincare, haircare, nail care, feminine care, hotels and villas, hair stylists, restaurants, grocery stores, luxury wear, handbags, wedding, home and kitchen, babies and kids, swimwear, lingerie, plus-size clothing. Y’all, the list goes on.”

And it’s clear, people are eager to see what’s in store. Petrie shared on February 1 of this year that over 30,000 new members downloaded the app within 48 hours — just in time for Black History Month.

“30,000 souls crying out,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “The Nile is a chance to channel our generational cry into rivers of living water, one stream at a time.”

As of the publishing of this article, the Black Nile has over 66,000 members.

Right now, Petrie is fundraising to help bring the app to the App Store and Google Play, but users can still access it by downloading the Spaces by Wix app and searching for Black Nile. 

Even with the extra steps, the app promises to offer everything shoppers — and business owners — may need. 

It’s integrated with Google Maps, which allows users to locate nearby businesses. Supporters can also shop online, with a marketplace directly integrated into the app that takes users straight to the websites of individual brands. 

After shopping, users can leave reviews within the app. 

“I created this with the intention to make shopping with Black-owned businesses as easy as possible,” Petrie said. 

“I am a UI designer and web designer, and I noticed that there are a lot of Black-owned directories, but many of them aren’t as user-friendly or optimized for our mobile devices.”

While Petrie is still working to bring her app to the mainstream, her call to action remains unwavering.

“We have taken it upon ourselves to carve out a dedicated space where quality marginalized Black-owned businesses, creators, and innovators are not just seen but highlighted and rewarded,” her website shares.

“The Black dollar is powerful, and it is time we redirect our wealth within our own communities and create our own spaces where we are accepted and celebrated — not hated or tolerated.”

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Header images courtesy of Dacia Petrie/Instagram and Black Nile/Wix