If you've ever
been told that money is power, you know that where you spend your dollars is
important. The choice between driving to Walmart and trekking to your local
corner store is also a choice between supporting a corporation and supporting
your community. In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, more and more
people are looking to spend intentionally, by supporting black-owned businesses
and giving to organizations supporting black individuals.
The New York Times reports that the movement to "Buy Black" has been around since the Reconstruction
Era. As black businesses began to thrive and black Wall Streets popped up
throughout the country, civil rights leaders urged followers to put dollars
back into the black community. It was seen as both resistance and empowerment. White
people often saw these black hubs of socioeconomic activity as threatening and committed
acts of violence against these communities, most notably in the Tulsa Greenwood
Massacre. In spite of all the adversity they faced, black entrepreneurs
continued to innovate. Now, people across the country are looking to support black-owned
establishments, and they have countless resources at their disposal.
New Orleans is
lucky to have a bevy of black-owned businesses, from restaurants to salons, candy
stores to tour companies. Here are just a few highlights. Of course, there are
many, many more than we could also list here, and we encourage you to find your
own local favorites.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars
Morrow's
Morrow's is
relatively new to the scene, opening in 2018, but it's already making waves.
The restaurant, which serves authentic Korean and New Orleans dishes, was
started by mother-son team Lenora Chong and Larry Morrow. It's received
attention from across the country: The New York Times lists it as the
number-one spot to visit in New Orleans. It's definitely worth checking out. 2438
St. Claude Ave., (504) 827-1519, morrowsnola.com
Vegan Wit' a Twist
According to
WDSU, this relatively new restaurant was started after Roy Joseph, then a
barber, brought vegan food to his coworkers Ryan Billew and Ollie Williams. All
the food is plant-based, and the "twist" is, of course, New Orleans seasoning. Their
food both tastes and looks delicious, and their 21,000 Instagram followers
agree. 3735 Ulloa St., (504) 766-0336, veganwitatwist.com
Backatown Coffee Parlour
Backatown's
charm is hard to measure. In an interview with Very Local New Orleans, co-owner
Alonzo Knox spoke of the importance of presentation: All of Backatown's plates
come with some type of garnish. They coffee joint is located in a building that
used to be housing projects, and Knox says that this was important to him and
his wife; they wanted to revitalize the community they loved. Backatown hosts
community events, such as political talks and book signings, and they're
exactly what a coffee shop should be. 301 Basin Street, Suite 1, (504) 372-4442, backatownnola.com
Café Abyssinia
For authentic
Ethiopian food, Café Abyssinia is a must. Located on Magazine Street, this cozy
establishment offers outdoor seating and delicious dishes at an affordable
price. Founded by Ermias Alemu in 2010, Café Abyssinia has become a New Orleans
favorite. In an interview with NOLA.com, Alemu noted that when he
arrived in New Orleans from Chicago, there was no Ethiopian restaurant in the
city. Café Abyssinia changed that, and New Orleans is better for it. 3511 Magazine St. #B, (504) 894-6238, facebook.com/CafeAbyssiniaNola
Lil' Dizzy's Cafe
Although Lil'
Dizzy's Café opened in 2005, it has decades of history behind it. Their website
tells the story of owner Wayne Baquet, whose father was the namesake for
Eddie's, a now-closed New Orleans classic. Their menu features the phrase
"Always Hot & Straight from the Pot," and even thinking about their Creole
and soul food should make you hungry. 1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 569-8997, lildizzyscafe.net
Shops
Loretta's Authentic Pralines
If you're
looking for something sweet, Loretta's is the place to go. Because of the
coronavirus, they're currently mailing all orders (and who wouldn't love for some
peanut butter pralines to arrive at their doorstep?) and offering pick-up
services. Loretta's also sells cookies, treats, king cakes, and gift baskets,
so they've got your sweet tooth cravings covered. 2101 N. Rampart St., (504) 944-7068,
lorettaspralines.com
Mona's Accents
The floral
arrangements from Mona's Accents could brighten up anyone's day (and if you're
feeling down, you could even buy some just for you). These fun and festive
flowers are stunning, and Mona's is currently offering internet ordering and
contactless delivery. Designs are available for every occasion, but they're
also happy to help you create something all your own. 2109 N. Claiborne Ave., (504)
944-7001, monasaccents.com
Community Book Center
More and more
people have been discussing race and racism, but the founder and owner of
Community Book Center, Vera Warren Williams, notes that Community Book Center has
been doing that for 35 years. The store sells not only books, but also art,
fabrics, and gifts. They're open for business Tuesday through Saturday, so head
on over to discover unique stories, further educate yourself, and continue the
conversation that Community Book Center has been having for decades.
Material Life
Because they
sell everything from décor to jewelry, it's hard to define Material Life, but
it's clear that they support black creators and the larger black community. Their
Instagram page has long featured black artists, many of whom are from right
here in New Orleans. If you're looking for something one-of-a-kind, either to hang
on your walls or rock on your next date night, Material Life is the place to
go!
Products and Services
Ole' Orleans
Wines
Founded in 2018 by Kim Lewis, Ole' Orleans Wines aims to make high-end, elegant
wine inspired by the legacy of New Orleans. According to Travel Noire, only
about 1 percent of wine companies are owned by black women, so Lewis is already
breaking barriers. Currently, she has two wines available: Ole' Carrollton and
La Villiage de Chapitoulas. And you can find stores that sell them through the
store locator on the Ole' Orleans webpage.
Magnolia Yoga Studio
Magnolia Yoga
Studio strives to offer a sense of community to its patrons. In an interview
with Shoppe Black in 2017, owner and founder Ajax Jaxon revealed that
she first found her passion for yoga in Iceland and that bringing it to New
Orleans was quite the journey. The community couldn't be more thankful for her
work. Because of COVID-19, Magnolia Yoga Studio is offering Zoom classes and
limited-capacity outdoor classes. More information is available on their
webpage. 301 Basin St #2, (504) 302-2304, magnoliayogastudio.com
Esthetique Facial Spa
Since 2008,
Esthetique Facial Spa has been providing customers with services from waxing to
facials to threading. Their website is full of testimonials from a wide range
of individuals, and it's clear that people leave more than satisfied. So
whether you're looking for someone to apply lashes, wax your beard, or offer
you a soothing facial, Esthetique is the place to go.
Aart Accent Tattoos
Aart Accents
is the oldest tattoo shop in New Orleans, and they leave quite the legacy. Inked
Magazine reports that owner and artist Jacci Gresham was the first-ever black
female tattoo artist in America, and she's been inking people for over 40
years. Official Black Wall Street notes that Gresham is extremely
respected for her work with color and corrections, which means Aart Accent has
you covered if you're hoping to hide an old piece, or if you're looking to
start with a blank canvas. 1041 N.
Rampart St., (504) 581-9812, bestprosintown.
Cajun Fire Brewing Company
Cajun Fire
Brewing Company is the first black-owned brewery in the Big Easy, and the fifth
black-owned brewery in America—ever. Currently, they're offering two brews:
Honey Ale and Big Chief Crème Stout. It's clear that New Orleanians want to get
their hands on Cajun Fire products; after first selling in stores in 2019, Very
Local New Orleans reported that they sold out within 72 hours. Check out
the locator on their website to find Cajun Fire beer near you.
Galleries and Museums
The Backstreet Cultural Museum
The Backstreet
Cultural Museum began in Sylvester Francis's garage and now has grown into a
historic, important museum that celebrates everything that makes New Orleans
special. Its permanent collections center around the Mardi Gras Indians, jazz
funerals, and social aid and pleasure clubs. The museum also has educational
programs and engages the community throughout the year, outside of museum
walls. With admission set at $10, The Backstreet Cultural Museum is perfect for
a day trip, whether you live in the Big Easy or are just visiting.
Stella Jones Gallery
From pharmacy
to gynecology to art curation, Stella Jones has done a little bit of
everything. Her renowned gallery displays contemporary African, African
American, and Caribbean art. For Jones, owning an art gallery is more than a
job. It's a passion and a dream she shared with her late husband. Past and
present exhibitions are featured online, but, of course, nothing beats seeing
the art in person, so head on over to the Stella Jones Gallery, which is
currently featuring a collection called "Just Above My Head," by Charly Palmer.
Treme's Petit Jazz Museum
Treme's Petit
Jazz Museum was founded by Al Jackson, who grew up in the Treme himself. Jackson
was always surrounded by the rich history of the Treme, and after multiple
other careers, including working in the city government, he decided it was time
to share that history with the world. His museum tells the story of the origin
of jazz, and its location in the Treme neighborhood is significant. There's
something powerful about learning how jazz music came to be, right where it all
began. 1500 Governor Nicholls St.,
(504)
715-0332, tremespetitjazzmuseum.com
Gallery Cayenne
If you're
looking to see awe-inspiring artwork by a world-renowned artist, Gallery
Cayenne is the place to go. Featuring the art of Shakor, a New York native who
moved to New Orleans in 1990, Gallery Cayenne is located in the French Quarter
and easily attracts tourists. Shakor owns and operates the gallery, selling a
number of art pieces, including valuable giclee reproductions.
Nonprofits and Charitable Organizations
BreakOUT!
BreakOUT aims
to support New Orleans's LGBTQ+ youth of color, specifically working to end
their criminalization, through a variety of programs and initiatives. Some of
their programs work with youth currently enrolled in local high schools,
whereas others offer educational opportunities to those pushed out of schools. They
actively fight against increases in policing and support undocumented workers
through their VICE to ICE campaign. Check out their website to see more about
their work, to volunteer, or to donate. 4327 Canal St., (504) 252-9025, youthbreakout.org
BENOLA
Black Education For New Orleans, or BENOLA, aims to create a better educational
system for black students by empowering black teachers and institutions run by black
educators. Their website notes that studies have proven that students do better
when taught "by professionals who look like them." BENOLA's programming
includes a Black Education Summit, which encourages discourse about what a
better educational future looks like. For more of their work or to donate, be
sure to head over to their webpage. blackedunola.org
The 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans
The 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans is a chapter of international organization
100 Black Men of America. The New Orleans chapter allocates their time and
resources to focusing on mentoring, education, health and wellness, and
empowerment. Their work includes everything from scholarships to health
workshops. To read more about their mission and initiatives or to offer
support, click on the link to their website. 6600 Plaza Dr., 203rd Fl., (504)
208-9337,100blackmennola.org
Women With A Vision
Women With A
Vision began in 1989 as a response to the AIDS crisis, which was
disproportionately affecting communities of color. Since then, the organization
has maintained its commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic and grown to do so
much more. Among other initiatives, the organization aims to reform drug
policies, end sex-work criminalization, and encourage civic participation. To
volunteer, donate, or read more about the work of Women With A Vision, check
out their webpage. 1226 N. Broad St., (504) 301-0428, wwav-no.org
