On June 2nd, 2020, my social media was filled with black boxes in support of #blackouttuesday—and while I’m proud to see folks of all backgrounds expressing their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, there’s so much more that can be done to show allyship with the black community at large.
Talk with no action produces zero results, and starting with your own community is a simple first step. Consider this blog a living record of local black organizations and people— businesses, creatives, service provider, etc.— that you can support now and always.
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Black Arts/ Cultural Institutions:
- Ballet on Wheels
- TONE Memphis
- Clayborn Temple
- Collage Dance Collective
- Hattiloo Theatre
- Memphis Black Arts Alliance
- Memphis Music Initiative
- Memphis Slim House
- Stax Music Academy
- Unapologetic
Apparel & Accessories:
- Angel Creations Boutique
- Cheryl Pesce
- DenimbyLLA
- IV by David
- Mbabzi House of Style
- Mo’s Bows
- Texstyle Shop
- Mama’s Sundry
- Water Your Dreams
- We Tight Knit Embroidery
- Winfield’s Shoes
Covid-19 Masks:
- RichFresh (HENRY Masks)
- IAmJourneyDesigns
- Cheryl Pesce
- Mbabzi House of Style
- Mo’s Bows
- Texstyle Shop
Wellness/Beauty:
- Elle’s Elixirs
- Graffiti Nail Bar
- Homemade With Love 901
- In Search of Our Garden
- Kocke Cosmetics
- Picture Perfect Haircuts
- Pretti Nails
- Raw Basics
- September Nail Salon
- Taylor Made Beauty Supply
- TerraCotta Memphis
- Ziya Soul
Creatives/Influencers:
- Adarryl Jackson Sr. – Photography
- Amber George– Illustrator/Painter
- Amber Wiliams– Illustration
- Araba Esoun– Healthy Living & Eating
- Bartholomew Jones– Coffee Culture
- Camille Leigh– Photography
- Carle Moore– Visual Artist
- Carmeon Hamilton– Interior Design
- Catherine Elizabeth Patton – Photography
- Dana James Mwangi – Brand & Web Consultant
- David Quarles– Jewelry Maker/Interior Design
- David Yancy– Visual Artist/ Tattoo Artist
- Denise Parnell– Travel, Beauty, Wellness
- Elle Perry– Journalist
- Eso Tolson – Hand Letting & Visual Arts
- Jared Boyd– Writer & DJ
- Kenneth Wayne Alexander II– Painter/Motion Artist
- Lawrence Matthews– Visual Arts
- Marcus D. Porter– Photography & Videography
- Nubia Yasin– Multi-Disciplinary Artist
- Parker Nia Gordon– Illustration & Design
- Paris Chanel– Curator/ Buyer
- Rudi Peyton– Choreographer
- Mia Saine– Illustration & Visual Arts
- Terry Lynn TWIN– Visual Arts
- Toonky Berry – Muralist & Illustration
- Victoria Jones– Executive Director of The CLTV
- Ziggy Mack – Photography
Drag Queens:
News:
Creative Agencies:
Financial Institutions/Bookkeeping:
Automotive:
Black-Owned Catering:
- Big Momma’s & Granny’s Catering
- Camille’s Kitchen
- Donna’s Kettle Corn
- Feast & Graze
- Meals for You Catering
- Percy P Plates
- Pop’s Kernel
- Reggie’s Soul Wings
- T&T Catering
- What’s Cooking 901
- The Woodard 901 Gourmet Kitchen
- The Waffle Iron
Clubs/Entertainment
- City Tasting Tours
- Orijennal Art Gallery & Studio
- Paula Raifords Disco
- QBHome Paint & Sip
- Suga Shack
- Tailor’s Union
- The WKND Hang Suite
Fitness/Wellness:
- Any Body Yoga
- Best Body Fitness
- Fit With Finesse
- Spincult
- T.R.A.P Fitness
- UniverSOUL Wellness
- Your Inner Yogi
Bakeries/ Treat Shop:
- Blue’s City Donuts
- Cupcake Cutie
- Gimme Sugar Bakery
- Goodness Gracious Cookies
- Makeda’s Cookies
- Phillip Ashley Chocolates
- Pop-A-Roo’s
- Sweet Magnolia Gelato
- Waffle Cream
Coffee Brands & Juice Bars:
- B Chill Lemonade
- CxffeeBlack
- Electrolyfe Juice Bar
- Muggin Coffeehouse
- Soul Nutrition
- The Tea Bar 901
- My Cup of Tea
Restaurants:
- Orange Mound:
- Whitehaven:
- Hickory Hill:
- Soulsville:
- Downtown:
- COMING SOON: Inkwell Bar
- 901 Wings
- Alcenia’s
- Arnold’s BBQ
- Brinson’s Downtown
- C Lou Patton Quiche
- Cozy Corner BBQ
- Curry N Jerk
- Dr. Beans Coffee & Tea Roaster’s
- Evelyn & Olive
- Fannie Lou’s Gourmet Chicken and Waffles
- Flava House Lounge
- Interstate Barbecue
- K3 Studio Cafe
- Lunchbox Eats
- Roxie’s Grocery
- Sage Memphis
- Salad Expressions Memphis
- Slim & Husky’s
- Midtown
- East Memphis
- Outside the Loop
- A&J Catfish Station
- Big Myrt’s Wings and Things
- Bluff City Crab
- Da Sauce Wings & Things
- Mevell’s BBQ Pit
- Mike’s Hot Wings & Such (Two locations)
- Mr. P’s Buffalo Wings (Multiple Locations)
- Rayford’s All-in-One Hot Wings
Venues:
Donate to Support the Black Lives Matter- Community Bail Fund to end money bail and pretrial detention for protestors taken into custody.
Donate to the MidSouth Peace & Justice Center, a multi-issue, multi-race organization whose mission is to engage, organize, and mobilize communities to realize social justice through nonviolent action.
Keep up with the Official Black Lives Matter Memphis Chapter on social to see, and participate in their work.
This list only scratches the surface of the black excellence displayed in this city, and we’re committed to keep this list updated, so reach out to us or leave comments with additions. To my beautiful black brothers and sisters, press on because you are worthy, and I want to see you shine. To the allies out there, don’t just open your mouths. Open ya wallets! That is all ✌️
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