Six Black-owned businesses to support during Black History Month and beyond

When Covid-19 struck, Black-owned businesses were the hardest hit, with some even collapsing. As the world recovers from the contagion, there is a need to draw attention to some Black-owned businesses that have survived and would need all the support.

What’s more, February is Black History Month. So, it would be ideal to honor Black History Month — and beyond — by shopping from the following Black-owned businesses:

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold is a Black-owned coffee and tea brand that has achieved national success. The brand recently signed a multi-year partnership deal with NBA. The coffee and tea brand was founded by childhood friends Rod Johnson and Pernell Cezar in 2018.

The founders quit their jobs in higher education, fundraising and retail merchandising to establish the coffee and tea brand from their headquarters in Des Moines. In 2020, the company achieved national success after expanding to more than 31 Whole Foods locations in the Midwest region and launching an Amazon storefront.

When one buys BLK $ Bold, the startup gives back 5% of its profits to initiatives that support youth community programs.

Good Man Brand

Good Man Brand was co-founded by NFL great Russell Wilson. The clothing brand was established to create a modern, classic, fashionable brand that’s aspirational. Some of the firm’s offerings include menswear essentials, like the Slim Fit Henley.

Monies realized at Good Man Brand also go to support Russell’s Why Not You Foundation that focuses on youth empowerment.

Goodee

Goodee is a leading curated marketplace offering essential homewares and lifestyle products for a better living. It was founded by twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart. “We built a platform centered around responsible brands and artisans producing timeless everyday objects and consumers looking to make a difference with their purchases,” the business says on its website. 

54 Thrones

54 Thrones was founded by Christina Funke Tegbe. The beauty brand’s collections pay homage to the many African cultures, elegance and essence of the continent. Most of its ingredients are sourced from cooperatives and artisans across Africa, like its Shea Butter from Ghana and Uganda and its Baobab oil from Nigeria.

The Fresh Dolls

Dr. Lisa Williams was shocked by a CNN documentary on the racial attitude of young Blacks towards white dolls. The documentary, put together by Anderson Cooper and Soledad O’Brien, showed that Black children still associate “nice” and “good” to white dolls while associating evil or bad to dark skin.

A university professor then, Williams was alarmed by the study’s findings and decided to embark on a mission to bolster the confidence of Black children. Part of her agenda was to also let Black children have a positive view of their identity.

The former marketing and supply chain professor subsequently created The Fresh Doll Collection to reflect multicultural backgrounds while empowering and uplifting children of color.

Ayesha Curry Cookware

Ayesha Curry Cookware was founded by Ayesha Curry. According to PR Newswire, Ayesha collaborated closely with Meyer to develop her eponymous line of quality cookware and kitchenware, making sure every product created is effortlessly stylish, simple and fun to use, and accessibly priced.