In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the wave of protest that has followed, Chicago activist Jahmal Cole — CEO and Founder of My Block, My Hood, My City — has urged Chicagoans to ask themselves, “What’s something simple that I can do that’ll have a positive impact on my block?”
Putting money into Black-owned businesses is about as simple as it gets. As anti-racist sentiments ring out across the globe, never forget the power of the almighty dollar.
“Chicagoans should support Black-owned businesses right now because, more than ever, communities are in need of stabilization. It is imperative that we invest in our own. And when we do this we can revitalize faster,” says Doughboy Fryison, co-founder of Doughboy’s Chicago. He says support from the city of Chicago in conjunction with individuals making more of a conscious effort to support and acknowledge these businesses can allow them to rebuild stronger than before.
“It is important to me that Chicagoans support Black-owned businesses because it enables that particular business to build equity as it scales, as well as creating the ability for expansion,” says Eric Williams, owner of The Silver Room. “Expansion within a primarily Black neighborhood would then generate more jobs for the residents of that community. Now if our Black-owned businesses were able to buy up more property within their established community with the profits of its growth, we would be able to rebuild and protect our community from gentrification and generational poverty. It’s a win-win if you ask me.”
Marcus Ward, the owner Urban Grill Chicago, adds urgency, saying, “It’s important to support Black-owned businesses especially right now because there’s not many Black businesses still up and running. Between COVID and the looting, it’s important to support the ones we have left before there are no more of us left.” The stakes are high for Ward, who says it’s extremely important to him for his children to see Black people as business owners, “and not just workers”.
Ashley Rockwood, founder of Free Mvmt Shop, says people have been shocked to learn she owns her Lincoln Park fitness studio and doesn’t just work the front desk. Still, she has hope this national awakening will create lasting change. “Black business has been seen and will hopefully now begin to be valued as much as we deserve. I don’t think anyone is saying our business is better, simply we are equal,” she says.
Despite the city’s segregation, no matter where you live in Chicago, there are Black-owned businesses, and supporting them means supporting the larger movement for equality and justice. In a post circulating social media, poet Lindsay Young wrote “Resistance is NOT a one lane highway. Maybe your lane is protesting, maybe your lane is organizing, maybe your lane is counseling, maybe your lane is art activism, maybe your lane is surviving the day. Do NOT feel guilty for not occupying every lane. We need all of them.”
Evaluate purchases you are already making — food, clothes, coffee, gym, grooming — and simply swap in a Black-owned business for your current store of habit when it makes sense to do so.
To make it as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up a collection of Chicago’s Black-owned businesses, sorted into both categories and regions for quick reference. With 100 businesses, there are ample opportunities to put your money where your black Instagram square is and have a positive impact on Chicago.
South
Bronzeville, Chatham, Englewood, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Grand Crossing, Hyde Park, Kenwood, South Commons, South Shore, Stony Island, Washington Park
Food
- Peach’s Restaurant: Breakfast, lunch
- 5 Loaves: Breakfast, lunch
- Eméché: Bakery, cafe
- Mabe’s Deli: Sandwiches
- Friistyle: Pomme frites
- Uncle Remus SFC: Chicken
- Mikkey’s Retro Grill: Burgers
- Doughboys: Comfort food and “the world famous Spaghedough”
- Flammin Restaurant: American
- Nita’s Gumbo: Cajun
- Ja’ Grill: Jamaican
- Virtue Restaurant: Southern
- Surfs Up: Seafood
- Two Fish Crab Shack: Seafood
- The Soul Shack: Soul food
- Soul Vegetarian: Vegetarian soul food
- Majani: Vegan soul food
- B’Gabs Goodies: Vegan, raw
- Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat: Vegetarian
- Litehouse Whole Food Grill: Natural food and free meals for hungry
- Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream: Desserts
- Brown Sugar Bakery: Dessert
- Kilwins Hyde Park: Dessert
Beverages
- Some Like it Black: Creative arts bar
- Sip & Savor: Coffeehouse
- South Shore Brew: Coffeehouse
Fitness and Self Care
- Hyde Park Barber Studio: Hair
- 13th Flow: Fitness, remote training
- 360 Mind Body Soul: Group fitness
- Bettye O Day Spa: Spa
- Culture Connection 360: Natural health products
Clothing
- Divinity 7: Clothing
- Sir & Madame: Clothing
- The Silver Room: Apparel, jewelry, home goods, gifts
West
Austin, East Garfield Park, Greektown, Humboldt Park, Little Italy, Pilsen, West Loop, West Town, Wicker Park
Food
- Jay’s Backyard BBQ: Barbeque
- Crazy Bird: Chicken
- Ina Mae Tavern: Comfort food
- Turkey Chop: Turkey-centric comfort food
- The Delta: Tamale-heavy comfort food
- Flavors Southern Cooking: Soul food
- MacArthur’s Restaurant: Soul food
- Soulé: Creole soul food
- J Spice: Caribbean
- Luxury Cake Company: Custom cakes
- Tubby’s Taste: Vegan desserts
- Schweet Cheesecake: Desserts
Beverages
- Everybody’s Busy: Coffee shop
Fitness and Self Care
- 3 Sinks Salon: Hair
- Timeout at Shannon’s: Hair
- Van Cleef Salon: Hair
- Eb & flow: Yoga
- Chatto: Hair and skincare
Clothing
- Leaders1354: Clothing, hats, shoes
- Shine King: Shoe shine and repair
Home
- Semicolon Bookstore: Books
- An Orange Moon: Furniture
- Plant Salon: Plants
North
Andersonville, Edgewater, Lake View, Lincoln Park, North Center, Ravenswood, Rogers Park, Uptown
Food
- Batter & Berries: Breakfast, lunch
- Frances’ Deli and Bruncery: Breakfast, lunch
- Lizzy J Cafe: Breakfast, lunch
- Luelle’s Southern Kitchen: Comfort food
- Ms. T’s Chicken: Comfort food
- Urban Grill Chicago: Comfort food
- Bettie Lou’s: European, Asian and Island
- Demera: Ethiopian
- Ras Dashen: Ethiopian
- Kizin Creole: Haitian
- Life’s Sweet Inc.: Desserts
Beverages
- Kyoto Black Coffee: Cold brew coffee
- Long Room Chicago: Bar and coffeehouse
Fitness and Self Care
- Kenny Mac’s Barbershop: Hair
- Wholistic Skincare Chicago: Spa
- Bodi Shak: Group fitness
- Free MVMT: Fitness studio and virtual wellness classes
Home
- Recycled Modern: Furniture
- Greer Chicago: Stationery, gifts
Downtown
Loop, Near North Side, Near South Side, South Loop, West Loop
Food
- Eleven|Eleven: American
- Taste 222: American
- The Powerhouse Restaurant: African
- Mr. Brown’s Lounge: Jamaican
- Mogadishu Restaurant: Somalian
- Windy City Ribs: Barbeque
- The Grail Cafe: Cafe and coffeehouse
- Tea Pot Brew Bakery: Baked goods
Beverages
- Stivers Coffee: Coffee roaster
- 1340 Beer Wine Spirits: Wine and craft beer store
- FruVé Express: Juicery
- Persona Lounge: Cocktail lounge
- Sage Room: Cocktails and food
Home
- Kido: Children’s books, toys and clothing
- Love Peridot: Accessories, gifts
Online
Food & Beverage
- Chicago French Press: Coffee roaster
- Justice of the Pies: Desserts
Fitness and Self Care
- Soap Distillery: Small batch soap
Clothing
- Chi Boys: Clothing
- Chicago Culture Gear: Neighborhood apparel
- Concrete Rose: Streetwear
- Fat Tiger Workshop: Streetwear
Home
- Apartment 528: Custom furniture
General
Black Owned Chicago: An online resource “highlighting Black establishments and movements, creating a digital space for consumers to rate businesses, and producing events that entertain, educate, and encourage people to consistently buy Black.”
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