Be an ally and support Black-owned businesses
Black Girls Run
Founded in 2009 to promote fitness and end the obesity epidemic among Black women, this running group now has chapters in dozens of cities and offers training and community to both beginner and experienced runners. If you’ve ran any major race in the past decade, you’ve likely seen runners sporting its black-and-pink gear. It also has a philanthropic arm supporting Black women’s health that you can donate to directly.
The Black Virtual Mall
The Black Virtual Mall is the first of its kind to offer multiple retail locations under one roof. With a variety of stores, you can get what you need regardless of where you are or what time it is.
Exau Olive Oil
Exau is made by Skyler Mapes, a Bay Area native, and her Calabrian husband, Giuseppe Morisani. The two own olive trees in Italy, where their high-quality oil is harvested, pressed, and bottled each year then sold till it’s gone
CAFE CON LIBROS
Cafe con Libros — which means “coffee with books” in Spanish — is an intersectional feminist community bookstore and coffee shop in Prospect Heights.
Cloth and Paper
For all the planners out there, Cloth and Paper is a stationary brand that sells a variety of organizational tools such as leather planners, paper planner inserts, foiled dividers, and luxurious stationery items. Even if you’re a total beginner, Cloth and Paper has recommendations on which products to buy, what size will suit your needs, and even planner consultations to help you improve your productivity and reach your goals. Stay organized in style this year!
Coffee hip hop and mental health
Our vision is to normalize therapy, particularly in Black neighborhoods, where therapy is stigmatized and considered taboo. Whilst supporting the community, we also aim to educate and inform our counterparts and allies.