Bumble is launching a new campaign to support Black-owned businesses that create safe spaces for people to date

Popular dating app Bumble, together with partners, is launching a new campaign to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses that create safe and empowering spaces for people to date.

Bumble, the women-first dating app, has carried out some research which shows that across the UK, racial bias is overwhelmingly happening at popular date spots. As a result of these experiences, almost two thirds (65%) of Black British people say that they actively choose to go on dates at Black-owned small businesses. After carrying out this research, the popular dating app has come together - with some of its partners - to launch a campaign which aims to celebrate and support those black-owned businesses that create safe spaces for people to date.

The campaign, in partnership with Metallic Inc, and featuring Reggie Yates, Zeze Millz, and Stephanie Yeboah, will showcase Black-owned date spots and will include the launch of a grant programme that aims to support small businesses that have been hard hit by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Businesses can apply through the Bumble app and nominations can be made through Bumble’s Instagram (@bumble_uki). Businesses, both applying and nominated, need to be activities or venues that are popular date spots.

Speaking on the campaign, head of Bumble in the UK and Ireland, Naomi Walkland, says:

Dating, especially over the last year, is hard enough without having to experience anxiety, prejudice and racism. At Bumble, we believe that both online and offline empowering spaces are critical to healthy relationships, and we want to celebrate Black-owned businesses across the UK that provide these spaces. Last year, on our #MyLoveisBlack campaign, was about celebrating the breadth of Black British love, and this year, we’re taking it offline. Dating should be fun, not disempowering, and we are committed to supporting the Black community - whether it's single people trying to find a date spot with the Date Generator; or small businesses with our Grants. This campaign supports the wider, all encompassing movement towards racial equality and equity, which Bumble is proud and committed to being a part of"

Along with the campaign, Bumble are hosting an event all day this Saturday 9th October called 'The Hive'. The event is going to be a full day full of music, food and discussions lead by Reggie Yates and Sharmadean Reid. The event is being hosted at The Protein Studios in London and is set to start at 1pm and run on until late. Hosted by Reggie Yates with special guests including Suli Breaks, Zeze Millz and Yomi Adegoke. You can get tickets to this event by downloading the bumble app and matching with the Hive profile in app. Tickets are free and there are a limited number of walk-in tickets available upon entry.

Bumble have released a short series of videos of some of the guests on a date at one of the mentioned black-owned date spots and they are available to watch on YouTube now, or you can watch Zeze and Junior's date right here.