How building Black is the next step in the buying Black movement

The Affirmation Tower is envisioned as a home for some of the nation’s top Black-owned businesses. Illustration: Heather Polk/The Guardian

A new New York City skyscraper designed by a white architect, built by a white contractor and developed by a white real estate company? Business as usual. But what about a new New York City skyscraper designed by a Black architect, built by a Black contractor and developed by a Black real estate company? Now you’re paying attention.

Which is why the proposal for the 90-story Affirmation Tower is both so audacious – and long overdue.