Businesses to Support During Black History Month
February is a time to celebrate Black History Month and reflect on historical Black figures who have greatly improved our lives. It is a time to read Black literature to better understand the struggles of the Black communities and commemorate how far Black people have come.
Black History Month is also the perfect time to show your support for Black owned businesses and charities that serve the Black community.
Why Support Black Owned Businesses
While the need to support charities that serve the Black community may be obvious, the reason for supporting Black owned businesses may not be so clear cut. (Data provided care of Reclaim the Block)
Did you know Black owned businesses are less likely to obtain credit? When Black people apply for credit, their approval rates are 19% lower than white owned businesses.
Did you know that when Black owned businesses are approved for loan, they receive less than the full amount sought compared to white owned businesses?
Did you know that this means Black owned businesses struggle more to stay afloat during challenging times? During COVID, 41% of Black owned businesses closed down, compared to just 17% of white owned businesses.
We recognize the systemic challenges that faced Black owned businesses and that is why increased support is crucial to the success of Black communities, now more than ever.
List of Black Owned Businesses To Support
Whether you’re a foodie, fashionista or beauty guru, below you’ll find a selection of Black owned businesses to support during Black History Month.
🎂Food & Drink Businesses to Support
Kayla’s Kocktailz (Los Angeles, California) – Just under a year ago at the age of 24, Kayla Walls founded Kayla’s Kocktailz. Since then, her business has found itself on an upward trajectory. What started as a joke between friends blossomed into a cocktail business serving the likes of Metta World Peace, the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Queen Naija. Walls credits the inspiration behind Kayla’s Kocktailz and its numerous recipes to her mother, who is well known for her cocktails. Kayla’s Kocktailz are served in reusable, environmentally friendly pouches which she likens to adult Caprisuns. There are five standard house flavors and one exclusive flavor that changes each month.
McBride Sisters Wine Collection (Oakland, California) – Two sisters who grew up on opposite sides of the globe were reunited in California in 2005 and decided to try their hand at winemaking. The McBride Sisters Wine Collection was born and the sisters now own the largest Black owned wine company in the United States. They have several meaningful collections including the eco-friendly SHE CAN collection inspired by women breaking the glass-ceiling, and the Black Girl Magic collection inspired by the resilience of Black women everywhere.
Adjourn Teahouse (Washington, D.C.) – Drinking tea was integral to LaTonia Cokely’s upbringing in Richmond, VA. As a teen she envisioned a “small tea and wellness brand.” Inspired by her parents, in high school Cokely partook in a business planning competition, created a proposal for a tea and candle company, and the rest was history. Adjourn Teahouse sustainably sources all of its hand blended teas from every corner of the earth. And the name is no coincidence, Cokely believes that preparing and drinking tea allows us time to adjourn.
Prince’s Hot Chicken (Nashville, Tennessee) – The tale of Prince’s Hot Chicken is quite a humorous one. Thorton Prince was a lover of hot chicken…and ladies. One morning, Prince’s scorned lover prepared a batch of chicken bathed in peppers and spices, hoping it would knock Prince off his feet (and not in a fun way). Instead, Prince asked for a second plate! After perfecting the recipe, Prince’s Hot Chicken was born and 100 years later his restaurant it still standing tall in Nashville, Tennessee.
Red Rooster (Harlem, New York) – Andrew Chapman and Marcus Samuelsson co-created Red Rooster to uplift the surrounding neighborhood and honor its diverse culinary traditions while celebrating local artists and musicians. Red Rooster’s staff is entirely made up of community members who seek to inspire better eating practices. Fun fact: the restaurant acquired its name from the legendary speakeasy that welcomed figures like Nat King Cole and James Baldwin.
Poppy + Rose (Los Angeles, California) – Husband and wife duo Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed founded Poppy + Rose in 2014. The cuisine is described as California-inspired American with dishes like the Poppy Acai Bowl and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken + Waffle plate. The restaurant frequently donates its monetary and culinary resources to hospitals and charities.
👖Fashion Businesses to Support
Brother Vellies – In 2013, Aurora James founded Brother Vellies, a sustainable footwear line based in New York. The line shares its name with the traditional South African shoes called vellies. Brother Vellies was created with the intention of “keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive while also creating and sustaining artisanal jobs.” Since its origination, the line has grown to include various shoe styles and handbags. All products are made by artisans from around the world with ethically sourced materials. James was able to blend the elements of her well-rounded professional background to deliver a line composed of one-of-a-kind pieces that will last a lifetime.
The Wrap Life – Nnenna Stella looked high and low for authentic African head wraps online but found herself out of luck. So, in 2014 she launched her own head wrap line called The Wrap Life made with authentic African fabrics. Her site features head wraps, bandies, turbanettes and multis in a bold assortment of colors. And for those who are inexperienced with head wraps, Stella offers numerous tutorials.
Oma the Label – In 2018, Neumi Anekhe started Oma the Label to challenge outdated standards. Anekhe’s intended to represent people of color and diversify the markets of the fashion industry. Oma the Label features thick chains, unique earrings and bold bodysuits.
The Sixes – Franci Girard launched The Sixes, a clothing line specifically for tall women. Girard, who was 5’10” in the fourth grade, quickly discovered that there were not many clothes suitable for women her height. After ending her professional volleyball and Wall Street careers she enrolled at Parsons School of Design to give herself, and women like her, #fashionfreedom. Her line features an assortment of pant styles for those with luxurious long legs.
💄Beauty Businesses to Support
The Mane Choice – Courtney Adeleye, a registered nurse, began The Mane Choice after seeing great success sharing her DIY haircare secrets on YouTube. Adeleye created products from simple kitchen ingredients specifically for natural hair…and they worked wonders. Adeleye was able to use her scientific knowledge to create products knowing they wouldn’t harm her hair as most standard haircare products can. Nearly a decade later her haircare line has grown to include almost 100 products and can be found in 60,000 stores across the country.
Black Girl Sunscreen – In 2016, Shontay Lundy created Black Girl Sunscreen in ever-sunny Miami, Florida. Her goal was to produce a “natural non-white residue sunscreen brand for women of color.” Black Girl Sunscreen is free from parabens, harmful chemicals and specifically caters to your melanated skin (which can be damaged by the sun contrary to popular belief).
Charities to Support During Black History Month
If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact during Black History Month, below are several charities changing the world for the better, moment by moment.
Institute for Black Charities (IBC) – Founded in 1997, the Institute for Black Charities has worked with hundreds of affiliated non-profit organizations to uplift Black children, families and communities both nationally and internationally. The IBC operates through fundraising, tech assistance, training forums and marketing. The organization has had great success in building quality, sustainable programs and services for those in need.
African American Leadership Forum (AALF) – Based in Minnesota, the African American Leadership Forum strives to create an equal and equitable society for all Americans by addressing economic, educational and medicinal disparities. The AALF works through gatherings, their Collective Impact initiative and their Leadership Academy.
Black Girls Code – Not only is there an underwhelming number of girls and women in STEM, but the majority of those who are present are not people of color. Kimberly Bryant, the founder of Black Girls Code, envisions a world in which Black girls and women can succeed in the world of STEM. Bryant hopes to introduce technology and computer programming to young girls who are still contemplating their life path.
Black Male Voter Project: Black men and women have faced voting inequality since the birth of the United States. Between misinformation campaigns and felony disenfranchisement, Black people are being robbed of their constitutional right to vote. The Black Male Voter Project strives to have every Black man participate in the electoral process.
Show Your Support of Black Owned Businesses!
Uplifting minority owned businesses and charities that serve underprivileged populations should be a year-long occurrence.
However, if you are new to this practice, Black History Month is the perfect time to get acquainted. Supporting these businesses and charities promotes the success of the nation’s economy and our society’s wellbeing.