6 Handy Black-Owned Apps You Should Download Now – CNET [CNET]

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Updated on Nov. 2, 2023

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Kourtnee Jackson

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Kourtnee covers TV streaming services and home entertainment news and reviews at CNET. She previously worked as an entertainment reporter at Showbiz Cheat Sheet where she wrote about film, television, music, celebrities, and streaming platforms.

Expertise Kourtnee is a longtime cord-cutter who’s subscribed to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Crunchyroll, Sling, Spotify and more. As a real-life user of these services, she tracks the latest developments in streaming, the newest re Credentials

  • Though Kourtnee hasn’t won any journalism awards yet, she’s been a Netflix streaming subscriber since 2012 and knows the magic of its hidden codes.

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Sq. Feet of Lab Space

See at Soko

soko app displaying outdoor farmers market with people and stands

Find local farmers markets

Soko

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See at EatOkra

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Nationwide directory of Black-owned bars and restaurants

EatOkra

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August was National Black Business Month, during which we aimed to highlight Black-owned tech platforms. But you don’t need a specific month to support and appreciate Black-owned apps. And right now is as perfect a time as any to do just that. Our lives are made a little easier with the aid of mobile apps that help us manage day-to-day tasks, shop, find love or discover the latest events in any city. The founders of the companies below gleaned inspiration from their own experiences and wanted to create digital tools that support wellness, financial literacy, good times and more.

While you can tap Google or another search engine to find minority-owned businesses, we’re highlighting six apps from Black creators that can be used year-round. 

solofunds wallet with dollar amount on display screen

SoloFunds

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solofunds wallet with dollar amount on display screen

SoloFunds

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Ujama, a social media network founded by Hugh Molotsi that connects locals through friendships, meetups and offers a marketplace. Soko is free to download on Android and iOS devices.

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Need a farmers market locator? Scroll through Soko’s listings of thousands of markets and individual vendors in cities across the US. The app allows you to search for farmers markets within a 20, 50 or 100-mile radius based on your current location, home address or city of your choice. You can also search for vendors by name. Users can shop ahead of time by placing preorders from vendors in their area, and set up digital payments, including SNAP benefits.

Soko was created by the same developer team behind Ujama, a social media network founded by Hugh Molotsi that connects locals through friendships, meetups and offers a marketplace. Soko is free to download on Android and iOS devices.

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