Supporting Black-Owned Small Businesses This Black History Month (And Every Month)
The pandemic has been tough for so many small businesses across the country, and Black-owned small businesses have been hit especially hard.
A recent poll conducted by CREDO grantee Color Of Change found that almost half of all Black-owned small businesses may have to close their doors by this April, which would have a devastating and long-lasting effect on Black communities.
That’s why it’s so important to shop with Black-owned small businesses this Black History Month — and every month. To help you find where to shop Black in your community and online, Color Of Change has created a “Black Business Green Book” — and we’ve selected a few Black-owned small businesses for you to check out.
Color Of Change, a long time ally who has received more than half a million dollars in donations from CREDO members, created the “Black Business Green Book,” a site where you can search Black-owned small businesses by state or keyword, or browse by a number of categories, including Health/Wellness, Food & Drink, Home Goods and more.
For Black History Month, we’ve curated a selection of businesses below — or feel free to browse the entire directory at the Black Business Green Book.
Bklyn Bakery
A 100% vegan bakery that sources organic, local, and seasonal ingredients, Bklyn Bakery (pronounced Brooklyn Bakery) was started by self-taught baker Keyana Bourne, who has a passion for baking, sustainability, and animal welfare. Place an order online to get your fill of tasty vegan, sustainable and cruelty-free treats.
MahoganyBooks
Founded by husband and wife duo Derrick and Ramunda Young, Washington, DC-based independent bookstore MahoganyBooks originally opened online in 2007 to meet the needs of those searching for books about the African Diaspora. Today, the family boasts a brick and mortar shop in DC’s Anacostia neighborhood (with another coming soon) and has been featured on a number of local and national media outlets. They pride themselves on giving back to the community and promoting reading across the greater Washington area.
Healthy Roots Dolls
65% of the world has curly or wavy hair, but only 4 out of 10 girls love their curls. Enter Healthy Roots Dolls. They create dolls and storybooks to help empower young girls to celebrate and represent their diversity. Founder Yelitsa Jean-Charles created the popular doll Zoe “so that children can have a product that makes them feel seen. No one should feel less than because of the kink of their curl or the color of their skin.”
Adorned Abode
Featured in Forbes and NY Magazine, this Tacoma, Washington gift shop owned by Benita Smith sells locally made goods and fair trade items, from mugs and chocolates to stationary and kitchen items. If you’re in the area, make an appointment for a COVID-safe shopping experience, or shop and order a gift online.
Revolutionary Healing
Owner Meckell Milburn’s Revolutionary Healing provides holistic wellness services for Black womxn, including one-on-one yoga sessions and virtual wellness coaching. Meckell (she/her) is deeply invested in black liberation through healing, and holds a number of professional health and wellness certifications. Check out her website and book an appointment online.
Afro Triangle Designs
“Using art and stories of women in history to inspire, teach and empower” is the tagline for Denver artist Adri Norris’ website and small business, where you can purchase paintings, prints and t-shirts from the artist’s “Women Behaving Badly” series that features Toni Morrison, Josephine Baker, Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, Malala Yousafzai, Billie Jean King and other iconic women.
Beyond Classically Beautiful
This online apparel design shop got its name from a New York Times article that called actress Viola Davis “less classically beautiful” and out sprung a viral black & white t-shirt sensation with its namesake across the front. In addition to this classic tee, you can purchase apparel with slogans like “Protect Black Women,” “Believe Black Women,” and “I Asked God. (S)he Said I’m Killin’ It.”
