Recognize Juneteenth By Patronizing Local, Black-Owned Businesses
Nationally, the number of Black-owned businesses grew by 14% between 2017 and 2020, according to the Pew Research Center. And data released by the University of California at Santa Cruz indicated Black-Owned businesses have increased by 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels, largely driven by Black women.
The fastest-growing demographic in Arizona is the Black and African American community, according to recent data, yet Black-owned businesses account for just 1% of all businesses in Phoenix.
Sometimes, that 1% can be hard to see, and without visibility, hard to support. As the nation and the state prepare to recognize Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, we at Local First Arizona wanted to take a moment to highlight a variety of Black-owned businesses from Phoenix to Tucson to Safford and beyond.
Black business owners, anecdotally speaking, often see spikes in consumer support around Black-centric holidays. But, sustainable success requires support throughout the year.
Here’s a selection of local, Black-owned businesses to support across the state.
Blax Friday A community organization created in the summer of 2020, Blax Friday spotlights Black-owned businesses in Arizona with its comprehensive directory of local businesses. Blax Friday aims to support economic empowerment for Black business owners and foster representation within the business community. Founder Ashely LaRussa served as a keynote speaker at the 2023 Arizona Good Business Summit, and she also serves on Local First Arizona’s Steering Committee and Business Coalition Advisory Council.
Grassrootz Bookstore More than a bookstore, Grassrootz is a co-working space, an event center, a community library and an art gallery. It does, however, hold the distinction as the only Black-owned bookstore in Arizona. As a bonus, each purchase from the bookstore’s downtown Phoenix location helps support the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee for Justice with its grassroots activism, education and economic development efforts.
Chill x Chel An equal opportunity, roaming event business that embraces conversation, connection and community, Chill x Chel creates a space that’s open to everyone. From art to networking to themed holidays and vendor events, Chill x Chel curates events designed to connect those who attend through their creative and professional journeys.
Trades of Brit The handcrafted soaps, creams, balms and baby products formulated by Brittny Johnson can be found in shops across the Valley, from Phoenix to Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek. With a master’s degree in chemistry, Johnson uses the highest quality oils, butter, botanicals and plant-based ingredients to create natural products that deliver a sumptuous foam and leave skin feeling clean and supple.
DSquared Homes for Homeless Seeking to combat the growing problem of homelessness and reduce the stigma Arizona’s homeless face, DSquared works towards creating a support system for the seriously mentally ill (SMI) through community collaboration, providing hygiene bags, connecting people with mental health professionals and offering rental assistance programs to assist those who live independently and experience a temporary setback.
Whole Harmony Founded by Jaleaa Lewis, a Purdue University graduate and registered nurse with more than 20 years of nursing experience, Whole Harmony focuses on helping women to heal their generational trauma so they can live the life they were created to live. She uses ancient healing practices such as Kemetic Reiki, ancestral healing, sound therapy and astrology in her practice in addition to offering health teas and IV therapy.
Flaming Oats™ Offering pre-packaged oatmeal with a twist — a savory one instead of a sweet one — Flaming Oats packs a nutritious punch by delivering 21g of protein, B vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and much more. With spicy, salty, cheezy, creamy and hearty flavors, Flaming Oats™ was created for lunch and dinner, but rule-breakers can eat them for breakfast too! Flaming Oats™, which launched thanks to a successful, $25,000 Kickstarter campaign, layers stimulating flavors and satisfaction that lasts for hours.
Covered by Grace Offering a variety of Christian-themed products, Covered by Grace sells journals, T-shirts, mugs, bracelets, mouse pads and shoe bags. An online store, Covered by Grace stocks products that are designed to encourage and inspire the wearer or user.
Vibe Spot As an up-and-coming micro-event venue in downtown Phoenix, Vibe Spot hosts customized events from graduations to community Cinco de Mayo to Soulful trivia nights. Vibe Spot is also an alum of Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator, which supports Black entrepreneurs.
Roycycled Owned by Royce Hunt, Roycycled is a Safford-based business that features formerly cast-aside furniture and decor that has been given new life in a creative way. She focuses on paint and decoupage — and has her decoupage paper in 250 retailers around the world — and fosters a learning environment by sharing secrets she’s learned along the way that allows others to express their creativity.
Moondogs Pizza Serving New York-style pizza to satisfy the cravings of hungry tourists and locals in Sedona, Moondogs Pizza is a reliable go-to for anyone needing a slice. Owned by Lincoln Mooney, Moondogs also offers subs, salads, burgers, calzones and pasta.
DiVine DiZions Owned by Allyne McFalls, who refers to herself as Queen A, DiVine DiZions is a Sierra Vista clothing store that is years in the making. McFalls, who has been making her own clothes since elementary school, sews and customizes clothing that brings together multiple cultures utilizing Afrocentric fabrics. In addition to running the business, McFalls launched the Sierra Vista African American Community Coalition.
Find other Black-owned businesses near you with the We Rise Business Directory.
