Collective Power: Strengthening Communities Through Economic Collaboration

Original hand photograph by Jon Lowenstein | Creative edit by Poetic Neighbor

Black Collective Power. What comes to mind when you hear that? Where’s the Black community in Las Vegas? Where do we gather on an ongoing basis? Now, let’s dig a little deeper—how are we spending our dollars within the Black community? Are we making the effort to swap our everyday items for Black-owned alternatives? What if we did? What if we focused on the collective dollar and the spending power we hold?

A 2020 report from CNBC highlighted that Black buying power reached $1.4 trillion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2024. This potential is enormous, but what if we harnessed this power through a unified, cooperative approach? As we close out October and National Co-op Month, we want to highlight the rich history and transformative power of cooperative businesses—and how they can spark meaningful change in the Historic Westside and Black Las Vegas.

So What Is Cooperative Economics?

Cooperative economics is about pooling resources—time, money, and skills—to create businesses that are owned and operated by the community. It’s a model rooted in collective ownership, democratic decision-making, and shared benefits. This approach can take many forms, from housing co-ops to grocery co-ops, and even creative co-op spaces. But the common thread is that it puts economic power back into the hands of the community members themselves.

The Legacy of Black Co-op Movements

The history of Black cooperative movements in the United States dates back to the 19th century when newly freed African Americans sought collective economic strategies to counteract racial discrimination and economic exclusion (source: GEO: A Brief History of Black Cooperatives). Faced with limited access to capital, credit, and land, Black communities formed cooperatives to pool resources, support one another, and build economic resilience.

One of the earliest examples was the Colored Farmers' National Alliance and Cooperative Union, founded in 1886. This organization enabled Black farmers to buy equipment and supplies collectively, while also advocating for civil rights and fair wages. Cooperatives became a vital tool for economic survival in the Jim Crow South, offering a way to build wealth and sustain communities when other doors were closed.

In the 20th century, leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois championed cooperative economics as a path to Black economic independence. Du Bois believed that “economic cooperation is the only solution to the economic plight of the Negro American.” His vision emphasized the importance of Black communities controlling their economic future through cooperative ownership of businesses, land, and resources.

Another significant co-op was the Freedom Quilting Bee, founded in 1966 in Alabama. This collective provided employment and income for Black women during the Civil Rights Movement and served as a platform for political activism, contributing to the fight for voting rights and desegregation.

Could a Co-op Work in the Historic Westside?

What if the Historic Westside of Las Vegas became a hub for cooperative businesses? For years, the Westside has faced economic challenges, from redlining and segregation to disinvestment. Yet, with new investments like the CSN training center and the $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant aimed at revitalizing Marble Manor, the momentum for change is building.

But how can we ensure that this transformation is equitable and truly serves the community? Cooperative economic models could play a crucial role in this process. Co-ops offer a powerful way for residents to reclaim their economic future by owning businesses, housing, and resources collectively. Imagine a Westside where residents come together to build grocery co-ops, community-owned housing, or even urban agriculture co-ops that grow and distribute fresh food locally. The possibilities are endless.

The beautiful thing about co-ops is that they can apply to nearly any business model, from grocery stores to service-based businesses. They ensure that wealth generated from these ventures stays in the community, reducing the risk of displacement and creating pathways for long-term stability.

How Co-ops Strengthen Communities

Co-ops aren't just about economic growth; they are deeply rooted in social and community bonds. By their very nature, co-ops are democratic organizations where each member has a voice in decision-making. This creates a strong sense of ownership and accountability among residents, fostering greater community cohesion and resilience.

But here’s the thing: We have to get on the same page. We need to put egos and differences aside to move forward on a collective effort. We believe that we have the power to do this.

For the Historic Westside, embracing cooperative principles could ensure that economic redevelopment efforts truly serve the needs and aspirations of the people who live there. Co-ops can help combat displacement by keeping ownership local and ensuring that the wealth generated from redevelopment stays within the community.

Examples of Successful Black Co-op Movements

• GEM City Market, Dayton, OH: A community-owned grocery store that offers fresh, affordable food in a former food desert. The co-op is owned by its members, who have a direct say in how the market operates and what products it offers (Gem City Market).

• Brooklyn Packers, New York, NY: This worker-owned cooperative delivers fresh produce and pantry staples to neighborhoods across New York City, focusing on affordability and accessibility (Brooklyn Packers).

• Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington State: This fund supports community-centered solutions that promote Black health, wellness, and prosperity through cooperative economics (Black Future Co-op Fund).

These co-ops illustrate how collective ownership and community control can be powerful tools for addressing economic inequality, fostering resilience, and building lasting change.

A Vision for the Historic Westside

The Historic Westside stands at a crossroads, with new investments and opportunities on the horizon. By embracing the legacy of Black cooperative movements, the Westside can take control of its economic future and create a more just, sustainable, and equitable community. National Co-op Month is a perfect time to reflect on how co-ops can serve as a model for shared prosperity, community empowerment, and collective action.

As redevelopment continues through projects,, the co-op model could provide a way for residents to have a direct stake in their neighborhood’s future, ensuring that the benefits of revitalization are shared by all.

So How Does It Sound?

Could this be a solution to building our local black economy? We think it’s a start. Begin today by identifying a new Black-owned business you’d like to support with your dollars. Small changes can lead to big shifts in economic power.

If you’re interested in learning more about how cooperative businesses have shaped Black communities, we recommend reading Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice by Jessica Gordon Nembhard.

Let’s celebrate the end of National Co-op Month by working together to build a stronger, more resilient Black community through cooperative economics.