My Black Parade Series: My Fave Black-Owned Businesses
Today marks the start of Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
This is typically a time when folks take a surface level dive into Black people who have made contributions to America or have engaged in some extraordinary feats. All of which should be learned, celebrated, and revered. On the other end of the spectrum, there is also a heavy focus on learning about the abhorrent treatment and history of Black people in America.
However, when is the last time we’ve taken a dive into just the everyday lives of Black people, the beauty and nuances of Black culture? Hardly ever.
Being Black often comes as a mystery. In an interview with Gayle King, Cicely Tyson described an encounter she had with someone who watched one of her films. The interviewer was amazed that Black children referred to their fathers as ‘daddy’. It was at that moment that Cicely realized her calling. In the interview, she stated, “I realized that they didn’t even see us as human”.
This year, I’ve decided that I’m going to celebrate Black culture in the form of a virtual Black Parade. Beyonce’s song that dropped in the summer of 2020, titled ‘Black Parade’, really gave me time to reflect on how much I incorporate Black culture into my everyday life in a way that others may not realize.
Each Monday, I will share some of my faves of Black culture that are intertwined into my daily life. This week, I’m sharing Black-owned businesses that I support regularly.
- Cloth + Paper
If you are into stationery, planners, and organization this is one of my faves. All of their designs are chic and minimalist and I love the black box that it comes in. They also have a great blog and offer great tips. To learn more, check them out at www.clothandpaper.com - Artby Keebs
I was gifted a really gorgeous print of Malcolm X by this artist. Once I received the image and saw the quality of the work, I became hooked. I recently ordered a limited edition collection of alter candleholders featuring three of my all-time favorite Black women; Audre Lorde, Nina Simone, and Angela Davis. To find more about this beautiful artist, visit the Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyKEEBS - Whitney Austin
Yall, this artist is amazing. I ran across her studio in Charlotte, NC in 2019 and I have now added two of her paintings to my collection. In addition, my sister also bought a piece. I absolutely love the depictions of Black men and women in her work. I highly recommend following her on IG as she posts videos of her creations and the creative process. It’s truly amazing. Check her out on IG at whitney_austin. - The Honey Pot
I love Target. I just do. In early 2020 I learned about Honey Pot products from a friend and these products have helped me tremendously. They offer feminine hygiene products that are infused with natural herbs and oils. You can find their products in Target but also order directly from their site. As a bonus, they send the cutest text messages. Check them out by visiting https://thehoneypot.co/. - Pardon My Fro
If you can’t tell by now, I love art and beautiful visuals. Pardon My Fro offers home decor, art, and so much more. (Two of my friends purchased the travel duffle bag and carried them to BVI with us and they got numerous compliments.). I have a total of 5 digital prints and have gifted quite a few. If you’ve been on a Zoom chat with me recently you’ve seen two of her images in my background. Check them out by visiting https://pardonmyfro.com/ - Uzo Art
This artist is local to me and is located in Maryland. She has the absolute best customer service and I’m obsessed. Recently she added some new products and created a 2021 calendar and planner and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I also have three additional art pieces. Visit https://uzoart.com/ for more details and to take a look at this beautiful work. - Dope Coffee
If you drink coffee and love candles, you should definitely be checking out Dope Coffee. The coffee is delicious but then they gave me a bonus by offering coffee scented candles. Ahhhmazing. Learn more about their products by clicking https://www.realdope.coffee/. (Confession, I was sipping their coffee while typing this.) - Funkincense
Speaking of smell goods, this company is a staple in my home. I love incense and candles when I’m working. OK, I love them any time. I learned about this small business in a group on Facebook and have proceeded to make 3 purchases already from the Etsy shop. Don’t take my word for it, visit this wonderland yourself,https://www.etsy.com/shop/Funkincense. - JRC Sisters
So I was introduced to this lovely company through a friend who sent me some of their goodies as a gift. The nostalgic smell of cucumber melon in a whipped shea butter made my inner teenager happy and my elder millennial skin joyful. They also have these cute satchels to place in your closets and drawers. Look them up on Etsy, https://www.etsy.com/shop/JRCSISTERS. - Black Girl Magic Wine
I’ve always enjoyed some wine and relaxation and was delighted when I was finally shown a Sponsored ad that I actually loved. My Twin gifted me a box with three bottles; riesling, red blend, and rose. Needless to say, I’ve made countless trips to my local wine and spirits shop and may or may not have purchased all they had in stock. They are also in Total Wines and are expanding their reach. You will not be disappointed so visit https://www.mcbridesisters.com/Black-Girl-Magic.
This is not an exhaustive list of all of the Black-owned businesses that I support but it’s some of my faves and constant staples. Honestly, I try to make a conscious decision to support Black-owned businesses whenever I can. Whether it’s getting my car washed, nails did, or even a locksmith. I take the time to search for those companies.
In celebration of Black culture, I hope you enjoyed this list, and please share in the comments some of your faves. Next week, I’ll share my favorite Black creatives.
Lyrical Lesson:
“Ooh, goin’ up, goin’ up, motherland, motherland drip on me
Ooh, melanin, melanin, my drip is skin deep, like
Ooh, motherland, motherland, motherland, motherland drip on me”
~ Beyonce, Black Parade
