BLK Chat is a city-based community app centered on Black culture, local life, and real conversation. It brings public rooms, direct messages, and group conversations together without an algorithmic feed.

How does BLK Chat work?

Choose an available city, browse local and topic rooms, and join persistent conversations. Messages stay available until their author deletes them or a moderator removes them under the Community Guidelines.

BLK Chat's core community and messaging experience is free. Optional paid features, if offered, are clearly disclosed in the app.

BLK Chat includes visible reporting, blocking, author deletion, moderator review, specific rule explanations, and an appeal path. Automated tools may help prioritize reports but do not replace human review.

Where is BLK Chat available?

BLK Chat lists its currently available cities in the app, where you can choose a city manually or use optional location access for a nearby suggestion. The App Store listing says city rooms cover 217 cities in 50 countries, including 58 in the US.

Is BLK Chat a dating app?

No. There is no swiping or matching. It is a place to talk with people in your city, in public rooms or by direct and group message.

How to find Black-owned businesses near you

Use a national directory like BuyBlack.org, which says it lists more than 110,000 Black-owned businesses, plus a city directory where one exists, and ask locals in a city chat. Directories can be out of date, so check hours and addresses before you go.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Last updated October 24, 2026.

Best for

People who want to support Black-owned restaurants, salons, barbershops and shops where they live.

Not for

Readers who need a verified or certified list. Directories rely on owners or readers to submit listings.

National directories

BuyBlack.org describes itself as a national directory of more than 110,000 Black-owned businesses in the U.S., searchable by location. Support Black Owned and AfroBizWorld are other directories you can search.

City and state lists

Some cities and groups publish their own lists, such as the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle's Black Business Directory, ShopBlackCT, New York City's Shop Your City page and Washington, DC's tourism list. Search your city name plus “Black-owned business directory.”

Ask people who live there

A city chat is good for recent openings and closings that directories miss. In BLK Chat, ask your city room where people get haircuts, food and gifts.

Check before you go

Hours, locations and ownership change. Check a business's own page or call before you travel.

How it works

Install BLK Chat on iOS or Android.
Pick an available city, or allow optional location for a nearby one.
Join a room and start talking with people in your city.

FAQ

How do I find Black-owned businesses near me?

Search a directory such as BuyBlack.org by location, check your city's own list, and ask locals.

How many businesses does BuyBlack.org list?

It says more than 110,000 across the U.S. on its home page.

Are directories verified?

Check each directory's own rules. Many rely on submissions.

Can BLK Chat help?

Yes. Ask your city room for recommendations from people who live there.

Is BLK Chat free?

The core community and messaging experience is free.