Every year, “Black Friday” signals a frenzy of shopping and steep discounts in many parts of the world — a day eagerly awaited by consumers and businesses alike. But behind the allure of mega sales lies a disturbing claim that has circulated for years: that Black Friday has its roots in the transatlantic slave trade.
📜 The Controversial Claim
Some narratives suggest that during the era of slavery in the Americas, Black Friday was the day enslaved Africans were sold at a discounted price to prepare plantation owners for the winter. These claims further suggest that enslaved people were marketed as “black stock” and sold “cheap” to clear inventory — much like retail products today.
However, there is no verified historical record or evidence that links the modern retail event of Black Friday to the slave trade. This claim has widely been debunked by historians. The name “Black Friday” as we know it originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s, used by police to describe the heavy traffic and chaos caused by post-Thanksgiving shopping crowds.
Still, the widespread myth reflects something very real: the painful legacy of slavery and the exploitation of Black bodies, which continues to shape global conversations around race, labor, and consumerism.
🔍 From Myth to Meaning: What Should We Remember?
Even though the historical link may be inaccurate, the conversations sparked by it are deeply important. They remind us:
That Black history is often ignored or oversimplified in mainstream education
That commercialism can sometimes overshadow human values and justice
That African descendants still battle systems of inequality rooted in slavery and colonialism
At Legends of Peace Initiative, we use opportunities like these not to cancel culture, but to educate, empower, and encourage reflection. Whether or not Black Friday is tied to slavery, let it be a day where we:
🧠 Learn the real history of Black suffering and survival
🗣️ Speak out against racial injustice and economic exploitation
✊ Celebrate Black resilience, innovation, and excellence
Let history be more than a hashtag. Let it be a light.
📍 Legends of Peace Initiative – Where truth meets transformation.