There are many ways you can show support and solidarity to your local African American community. Joining protests, educating yourself, taking part in racial justice conversations, and donating money and goods to NGOs and grassroots organizations are a few ideas that come to mind. However, one of the most direct and sustainable ways to support the Black community is by shopping and spreading the word about Black-owned businesses. 

Are you based in Northern California? Check out the goods and services offered by these Black-owned businesses in the Bay Area and support them now and always. Where and how you choose to spend your money makes all the difference!

Black-Owned Bay Area Businesses to Support 

1. Blk Girls Green House

Kalkidan Gebreyohannes and J’Maica Roxanne are the two women behind Oakland-based Blk Girls Green House. Inspired by their shared love of interiors and plants, this Bay Area Black-owned business was born to bring joy to living spaces. At the 1,500-square-foot lovely outdoor facility, you’ll find plants, coffee table books, candles, wall hangings, ceramic and clay pots, locally made apparel, and more goodies.

2. ALIYA WANEK

ALIYA WANEK is a womenswear label in Oakland that focuses on exploring the connection between identity and style. Working with local small factories, this Black-owned business in the Bay Area creates comfortable and stylish clothing ethically and sustainably produced as an extension of the wearer’s individuality. Sustainable, cute, comfortable, and with an awesome mission at the front; what more could you want in a clothing brand?

3. Harwell Godfrey

Make your next fine jewelry investment at Harwell Godfrey. Lauren Harwell Godfrey is the founder and designer behind this Black-owned Bay Area business and we’re in love with her vision. Each design has aesthetic roots in ancient textiles and ethnic patterns and all the diamonds are ethically sourced. What’s not to love? 

4. Marcus Books

Named after author and political activist Marcus Garvey, Marcus Books is a literary and cultural hallmark in San Francisco that has hosted iconic figures such as Toni Morrison, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosley, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and so many more. Not only is Marcus Books the oldest independent Black bookstore in the country, but it also fiercely advocates for Black history, exchange, and knowledge of self. Browse the shelves, pick a book or two (or three), and support an important Black-owned Bay Area business.

5. A Girl Named Pinky

Everyone loves a delicious custom cake, and no one makes them as good as A Girl Named Pinky. Next time you need cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts for a special occasion, support a Bay Area Black-owned business and order from A Girl Named Pinky in Emeryville.

6. DeeLee Cakes

Over in San Jose, DeReath Times of DeeLee Cakes makes the most delicious cakes you can get your hands on. Taught to bake by her grandmother from a young age, Times makes old-school family recipes with a modern twist. Try one of the pound cakes from this Black-owned Bay Area business and your life will never be the same again.

7. Pietisserie

Are you more of a pie gal? You’ll love Pietisserie’s playful, modern, and elegant take on the classic dessert. Your biggest dilemma shopping from this Black-owned business in the Bay Area will be choosing just one of its many delectable flavors… But who said you can’t try them all?

8. Red Bay Coffee

If you’re a true Bay Area coffee lover, then you need no introduction to Red Bay Coffee. Founded in 2014 by Keba Konte, Red Bay Coffee ensures that their production is not only high quality, but also a vehicle for diversity, inclusion, social and economic restoration, and environmental sustainability. Knowing that, every sip of your coffee from this Black-owned Bay Area business will feel more delicious. 

9. Nirvana Soul

Another awesome Black-owned business in the Bay Area making delicious cups of coffee is Nirvana Soul. Founded by sisters Jeronica and Be’Anka, Nirvana Soul aims to bring people together through the power of coffee and tea. We can’t recommend the White Rose Latte enough.

10. Bissap Baobab

Bissap Baobab fully embodies the culture of San Francisco’s popular Mission District. An intimate bistro and club, this Bay Area Black-owned business is an awesome space to immerse yourself in an enticing ambiance of French West African culture, food, and music. Get a Mafe or Dibi combo and your taste buds will thank you later.

11. International Smoke

Famous faces Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry are behind the globally-minded International Smoke in South Beach. Inspired by their shared love of global travels and international cooking techniques, this Bay Area Black-owned business invites you to try delicious wood-fired steaks, seafood, ribs, and vegetarian entrees craveable worldwide.

12. Radio Africa Kitchen

Craving Ethiopian cuisine? Head on over to Radio Africa Kitchen in Bayview. Jambalaya, Market Vegetable Salad, Green Lentils, and more delicious dinners await you at this Black-owned business in the Bay Area; you don’t want to miss it!

13. Flavas Jamaican Grill

How about some Jamaican food? Check out the Flavas Jamaican Grill in South San Francisco. Serving deliciously authentic cuisine in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, this Black-owned Bay Area business welcomes all to experience a taste of Jamaican culture, music, and hospitality. Favorite dishes include Jerk Chicken, Braised Oxtails, Curried Goat, Ackee and Saltfish, and a variety of specialty drinks and desserts.

14. Super Juiced

Follow a pilates class up with a delicious smoothie or acai bowl from Super Juiced. A queer and Black-owned business in the Bay Area, the seasonal menu at Super Juiced draws organic ingredients from small, local farms. Plus, all the nut milks are made in-house, which makes this place a go-to spot for delicious and nutritious snacks in the Bay Area.