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It’s February 28th and the last day of Black History month, but at the Hub we know that supporting Black-owned businesses all year long is an impactful way to promote community and diversity—two of HUB on Campus’ core values.
But shouldn't we support all small businesses, you might ask? Yes, the COVID pandemic has changed the way all small businesses operate, but Black-owned businesses have been hit particularly hard, with only 8.8% reporting profitably last fall.
But, how to support our favorite Black-owned businesses when many of us are trying to stay close to home? Online, of course!
You gotta eat, so before you reorder the same old take-out, try something new from Bon Appetit’s list of Black-owned restaurants in major metro areas. If your city isn’t on the list, just pop in your city + “Black-owned restaurants” into Instagram, Google, or Reddit search. For example, a quick search for “Black-owned restaurant Tucson” brought me to Ken’s Hardwood Barbecue where a beef brisket dinner with a side of fried mac ‘n cheese is available for take-out or delivery (via GrubHub). And all you University of Florida students, don’t you dare miss the cheesy deliciousness of Gainesville-based Soulful Buddha’s vegetarian shepherds pie. #jelly
Since 2016, Black Restaurant Week has been expanding across the country (yay!). There’s no better way to celebrate the African-American, African, Caribbean cuisine of your city than to support local flavors during this annual event (all social-distancing friendly, of course, during these strange days.) Visit BlackRestaurantWeeks.com to register for more information about your local events, as well as to search their national directory of restaurants.
Etsy wins again! Shopping online has probably never been more popular than now. But it’s not all paper towels and leggings from a big box store. We still want to buy unique, handcrafted things. Look no further than the curated selections of Black-owned Etsy shops. Treat your nose to a Mahogany Teakwood Reed Diffuser from Aromology, stand out in your Zoom parties with colorful crocheted flower earrings by SuziandMarie, or spruce up your bedroom with a vibrant print like “Record Player Art” from Pairabirds.
"'Wavy' is the lack of worry," according to the About page of this clothing retailer in one of our Hub hometowns. The clothing featured on their website indeed has a laid back, irreverent quality. A red and white trucker hat featuring a sea and sun graphic that says “Be Different”. A simple black t-shirt reads “Wavy Tings” but printed in "Friends" styling (from $14.99, image featured). With all their products, Wavy Things encourages you to "Be comfortable in your own skin. There’s nothing wrong with being you." <3
Gotten deep into crafting lately? With Home Made Luxe you can have a new crafting project—complete with materials and instructions—delivered to your door every month. Founder Keitha explains, "Every month, I send ladies (and some crafty gents) around the country a gorgeous, Pinterest-inspired home decor project." You can also choose one-off projects like a Hanging Planter Shelf Trio or a Hand Knitted Round Pillow. Zoom craft party, anybody?
Want more inspiration on how to support your local community? Check out this post on giving back and feeling great.