Black History Month is a time to recognize and support the contributions that Black people make to American communities. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.4% of Minnesota companies are considered a small business, yet only 9.6% of small businesses are owned by people of color. In the Twin Cities, there is plenty of work to be done to address the racial wealth gap and remedy the disproportionate burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black-owned small businesses that persists today. You can help redistribute economic resources through support for these Black-owned, Twin Cities businesses.
Kevin Kramer
Dining
- Mama Sheila’s House of Soul’s dishes up some of the best soul food in South Minneapolis at its weekend buffets or with sit-down service.
- At Taste of Rondo in St. Paul, try the popular Cajun Catfish or Aurora Avenue Shrimp and Grits.
- In Minneapolis, Soul Bowl’s mouth watering bowls and sandwiches make for great elevated comfort food.
- Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant has plenty of shareable plates and vegetarian options.
- Savor authentic Caribbean and Southern cooking at West Indies Soul Food.
- Sammy’s Avenue Eatery is a neighborhood staple known for excellent sandwiches.
- Trio Plant-Based serves vegan soul food in Lyn-Lake.
- Dine on New York-style pies at Tommie’s Pizza in St. Paul.
- Handsome Hog, by Chef Justin Sutherland, is known for its delicious Southern staples, especially the fried chicken.
- STEPCHLD’s flavorful dishes made with international influences always delight guests.
- At Red Sea, alternate between hitting the dance floor and enjoying Ethiopian cuisine.
- Pimento Jamaican Kitchen uses French techniques to make classic Jamaican dishes.
- Breaking Bread Café uses quality ingredients to make meals with Southern, Creole, and West African flavors.
Photo by Janelle Olson/Styled by Beth Emmons
Amy Nelson
Drinks
- Cobble Social House is a chic North Loop cocktail bar that doubles as a rotating art gallery.
- Sip award-winning spirits in colorful cocktails at Du Nord Social Spirits
- Relax and unwind at Papa Legba Crossroads Lounge in St. Paul.
- Pick up a bag of coffee beans at Get Down Coffee Co., or stay awhile in their Minneapolis cafe.
Provided
Desserts
- Treat yourself to a fresh baked goodie at La Boulangerie Marguerite.
- Pair coffee and donuts at Mojo Monkey in St. Paul.
- The Donut Trapp has delicious allergen-friendly and vegan donut options.
- Choose from 18 different flavors of ice cream at 2 Scoops Eatery.
- Gourmet cookie company Love You Cookie offers their treats in two sizes: bite-sized and extra thick.
Photo by Caroline Yang
Arts & Culture
- St. Paul’s Penumbra Theater is a space for groundbreaking art, community healing, and equity work.
- Teen-staffed Juxtaposition Arts has an art gallery and retail space that offers apparel, art prints, incense holders, and more.
- Visit Soomal House of Art to find one-of-a-kind artwork by Somali creatives.
- In St. Paul, Black Garnet Books sells books by authors and illustrators of color.
- Newly opened in the IDS Center, Strive Bookstore spotlights children’s books written by Black authors.
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Apparel, Accessories, and Cosmetics
- Stylish retail space D.NOLO offers the latest trends in womenswear.
- In Minneapolis, Queen Anna House of Fashion is stocked with timelessly chic women’s apparel.
- Shop Gigi’s Flair Emporium to find fun apparel, totes, and hats.
- Arway makes handmade bags inspired by Afro-Latino craftsmanship.
- Plant-based Lip Esteem makes lipsticks and lip care products.
- The Perpetual Grind streetwear brand is an ode to hustle culture.
Beauty & Wellness
- Minnesota’s only hip hop yoga studio the 612 Jungle offers a variety of classes that range in intensity.
- Holistic lifestyle brand Strategic Alchemy’s has a great line of gentle scrubs, body butters, and soaps.
- The Human of Color Haircare has vegan products that moisturize, protect, and grow hair.
- Perfect for new mothers, Baby Bonito creates their skincare products with simple, plant-based ingredients.
- Beauty Lounge Minneapolis is a salon that brings out the beauty in everyone, no matter your texture or curl pattern.
- Kobi Co. Soy Candles are the perfect addition to your next self-care night.
To find more Black-owned businesses to support, visit The Nile List, Official Black Wall Street, and the Minnesota Black-Owned Business Directory.
