As we continue to celebrate Black History Month in the United States, this is a good time to showcase Black-owned technology platforms. Mobile apps are an essential part of our lives, helping us to complete everyday tasks, shop, find love or discover the latest happenings in any city. The founders of the companies below were inspired by their own experiences to create digital tools that support wellness, financial education, good times and more.
While you can tap Google or any other search engine to find minority-owned businesses, we highlight six Black creator apps to use now and beyond February.
solo fund
SoLo Funds is a peer-to-peer lending platform that allows members to borrow or borrow money from $20 to $575. Founded by Travis Holoway and Rodney Williams, the app launched in 2018 and has since surpassed 900 million users and $160 million in transactions.
Individuals are free to fund or repay loans at their own discretion and are screened before becoming a member. Users must have active bank accounts to participate as a borrower or lender, and the platform uses a rating system to determine a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. Download for iOS or Android.
Exhale/Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson
Developed by Katara McCarty, Exhale was designed as an emotional wellness app for Black, Indigenous and Black women. Its content aims to provide a calming, safe space for women coping with stress, grief, micro-aggression, and other negative feelings.
The app has a beautiful layout with breathing exercises, meditations, guided visualizations, and recorded conversations to boost your mood. Click a category to stream a compassion meditation, learn a box breathing technique, and more. Users can also receive push notifications for confirmations. Exhale is free to download on iOS and Android devices without commercial breaks.
Soko/Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson
Need a farmers market locator? Browse Soko listings for thousands of markets and individual vendors in cities across the United States. The app lets you search for farmers markets within a 20, 50, or 100 mile radius based on your current location, home address, or the city of your choice. You can also search for vendors by name. Users can shop ahead by placing pre-orders with vendors near them and set up digital payments, including SNAP benefits.
Soko was created by the same development team behind Ujama, a social media network founded by Hugh Molotsi that connects locals through friendships, meetups, and a marketplace. Soko is free to download on Android and iOS devices.
EatOkra/Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson
Foodies looking to discover black-owned restaurants should download EatOkra, a directory that features a variety of cuisines including vegan, Caribbean, and breakfast spots. Created by Brooklyn residents Anthony and Janique Edwards, the app includes restaurants, food trucks and food stamps in communities across the country.
Enter a city or use the app’s location feature to find restaurants near you. EatOkra also lets you click on a food category to review the listings or make recommendations for adding local restaurants and bars. You’ll also see a restaurant’s opening times and a marketplace where you can buy items like bottled sauces or cookies. Download on Android on iOS devices.
kiddie credit
Created by Evan Leaphart, the kiddie loan app teaches kids about credit and smart financial habits. Aimed at 4-12 year olds, the app tracks chores so kids can earn points for completed tasks like homework, mowing the lawn or cleaning the room. The scoring system uses a scale of 1-100 and works like a FICO credit score. Parents can choose to reward their children with money or some other incentive. Families can download the app for free on iOS and Android devices.
Melanin on the map
Melanin on the Map is a travel app aimed at people of color and boasts a global community of more than 45,000 travel lovers. Founded by Ashley McDonough, it serves as an information hub where you can find deals, destination information (and inspiration), getaway tips and travel opportunities for those looking to earn some income.
The app is also a social network where users can connect with travel agents or vacation friends who want to explore new adventures. In 2021, Melanin on the Map introduced its Travel Bae and Travel Bestie feature, aimed at matching users with potential love interests or friends. At the time of writing this article, the app is available for Android.
