A new survey reveals the impact of “Black Tax” on Black Americans. These statistics prompted the BLK dating app to respond with a $2,500 giveaway, promoting Black joy. Read more about the generous imitative inside.

BLK is the largest dating app for Black singles. They continue to lead the charge with innovative promotions, partnerships and initiatives benefiting the community it serves – Black people. Its’ most recent venture is the “Break the Bank 2.0: Black Tax Giveaway,” which is the second phase of their successful 2022 Break the Bank initiative. The program is designed to address the financial strain faced by Black singles, known as “Black Tax,” by providing financial support to those who have been negatively impacted by this burden. As part of the initiative, BLK Dating App will promote Black joy by awarding $250 gift cards to BLK users who have had to make sacrifices in other areas of their life as well.

The phrase Black Tax is used to describe the financial burden faced by Black individuals and families in supporting their extended family, community, and sometimes even strangers. This burden often results from systemic racism and economic inequality, which limits opportunities for Black people to build wealth and access resources. Black Tax is not an official tax, but rather a social expectation that Black people must financially support their family members and community to overcome financial hardship. It is a significant issue in the Black community, and its impact is felt across generations.

A new survey by BLK found that 79 percent of Black singles were unaware of the term “Black Tax” as a financial strain faced by Black families until now. The survey also shows that 44 percent of Gen Z and one in three Black singles over 40 financially support their families due to this burden. Those that don’t have a steady income are still impacted with 46 percent of unemployed singles supporting their family financially because of Black tax. A majority of respondents (64 percent) believe that partner support in this area is crucial. Siblings and mothers are the most commonly supported family members, and paying bills and buying groceries are the primary forms of assistance.

This financial burden weighs heavily on the Black community, taking an emotional toll on many. BLK notes that 46 percent reported negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. Even further, 28% of Black daters say that the effects of “Black tax” extends beyond their households and into their dating life. For some, like one survey respondent who cares for a handicapped mother, “Black tax” led to the end of a marriage and subsequent relationship due to a lack of time and resources.

As part of the “Break the Bank 2.0: Black Tax Giveaway” initiative, BLK is giving away $250 to ten users who have been negatively impacted by “Black tax.” To enter the contest, BLK users must share a written story highlighting their personal “Black Tax experience.” They are encouraged to emphasize the personal sacrifices they have made to financially support their family members and share how they would use the $250 gift card. The winners will receive $250 to splurge on an area of their life that has been compromised due to the financial burden of Black Tax. This can include expenses such as dating, school fees, vacations, clothing, rent, and any other areas that have been negatively impacted. The initiative aims not only to provide financial support to those affected but also to raise awareness of this issue and promote Black joy within the community.

“At BLK, we are deeply committed to promoting Black Joy through our marketing initiatives and campaigns. We acknowledge the financial burden faced by many Black families, and we believe that it’s our responsibility to support and uplift the community,” said Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing for BLK. “This program is not just about providing financial assistance to those impacted by ‘Black tax,’ but also about raising awareness of this critical issue that affects so many. We hope to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their goals and experience the joy they deserve.”

BLK’s “Break the Bank 2.0: Black Tax Giveaway” initiative will run from April 26 until May 3. To learn more about the program and how to enter, visit the site here.

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