Black folks' resilience can never be questioned. Through art, invention and international adaptability, the Black experience has prepared us for many of the trials the Coronavirus has brung to the table, as Blavity contributor Kenneth J.Williams already made plain.
As we look for spots that can accommodate our basic needs, it’s important to remember the Black-owned businesses that are operating and providing amongst the pandemic.
Here are a few places to buy from while servicing the community.
1. The Folklore
The Folklore is a retail boutique that operates dually from New York City and Cape Town, South Africa. They carry a limited number of fabulous pieces exclusive to the diaspora.
2. Serengeti Teas & Spices (Harlem, New York)
Serengeti Teas & Spices is a Harlem-based operation inspired by the knowledge owner Caranda Martin's grandmother imparted to him:
“The beginning of the passion for teas, coffees and herbs started with my dear grandmother. I was the youngest grandson at the time and very much a Grand-Mama’s boy."
3. Grant Park Coffeehouse (Atlanta, Georgia)
Grant Park Coffee House is still serving up good eats from 7 AM – 1PM from Monday to Saturday, they’re open an hour and a half later on Sundays. Want baked goods? You can call in to place any from-scratch whole loaf bread orders.
4. Lemat Ethiopian Restaurant (Berkeley, California)
If you’re in Berkeley, you can still get your Ethiopian fix, unbothered. Lemat Ethiopian Restaurant specializes in “vegetarian, vegan and meat dishes with warm-hearted hospitality.”
5. Lips Cafe (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
Located at 1412 Nostrand Ave, Lips blends co-working and event space, with great coffee and Caribbean food.
6. Hilltop Coffee (Slauson/Inglewood, California)
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen boasts local roots. They take pride in making “every attempt to hire from the local community and pay our employees a rate above minimum wage. In effort to serve the community responsibly, they are available for take-out and delivery.
7. Red Bay Coffee (Los Angeles, California)
Red Bay Coffee Roaster has made sure they’ve dotted every “I” to keep everyone safe while keeping the doors open. No public restrooms are currently open at the shop, facilities are disinfected on a frequent basis and production teams are wearing gloves for safety.
8. Brooklyn Tea (Brooklyn, New York)
Brooklyn Tea seeks to “create an authentic and accessible escape for our customers through our love of tea.” They are currently operating under executive order from Mayor De Blasio, operating under take-out and delivery.
9. Ms. Icey's Kitchen & Bar (Decatur, Georgia)
Ms. Icey's Kitchen is another establishment inspired by a grandmother. Named after their late grandmother, brothers Sim and Yusef help to run this Decatur spot. While Ms. Icey's is still up and running during the pandemic, they've limited their services to takeout.
Stay safe and buy Black where you can, folks.
10. Oji Royale
Oji Royale is a clothing shop which boasts a glorious velvet durag collection. Why shouldn't your quarantine lay be fly?
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