National Black Business Month: Minnesota Businesses and Organizations to Support
Catiesha Pierson, owner of the Dripping Root, poses in her South Minneapolis location. Courtesy of Minnesota Monthly.
What is National Black Business Month?
August is National Black Business Month. The overall goal of the month is to encourage people to make a purchase from any business owned by a black person so that people become more supportive and aware of these businesses and help black communities thrive economically.
Why is National Black Business Month Important?
Denise Moore, CEO of the Black Business Alliance in Peoria, Illinois, shared the following in an article in National Today: “Black Business Month is exciting because it gives us an opportunity to focus on a community that is far too often underrepresented when it comes to access to capital and opportunities to build wealth.”
National Today says, “When we celebrate the contribution of black business owners and entrepreneurs, it pays homage to them and their legacies, especially since celebrating this month recognizes the importance of black-owned businesses when it comes to contributing to the nation’s economy as well. Approximately 10% of all American businesses are black-owned, and if we look at what statistics say about minority-owned businesses, about 30% of these would belong to black business owners.”
Black and African American-Owned Businesses in America
The U.S. Census Bureau reports an estimated 161,931 Black or African American-owned businesses in the country, with $183.3 billion in annual receipts, 1.4 million employees and $53.6 billion in annual payroll. A total of 28 percent of these businesses are in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.
Black and African American-Owned Businesses in Minnesota
According to data compiled in the Annual Business Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2020, there were 37,000 Black or African American-owned non-employer firms. This made up nine percent of these businesses where the owner was the only employee in the state. There were only 2,095 Black or African American-owned employer firms, making up just two percent of businesses. These companies employed 33,034 employees statewide, compared to over one million for White-owned businesses.
There are many Black trailblazers in Minnesota’s history, including Lou Bellamy, who founded Penumbra Theater after recognizing that many of the roles he played did not adequately portray the experience of black people, mainly because they were written from a white perspective.
How to Celebrate Black Business Month
We asked YWCA Minneapolis employees to identify their favorite Black-owned businesses and organizations in Minnesota. Based on their recommendations, we compiled the following list. Supporting these and other Black or African American-owned businesses is the best way to celebrate National Black Business Month. Your support can help these businesses thrive in August and all year round.
Community Care
The Healing Justice Foundation works for all Black people's liberation, healing and humanity through restorative healing, mutual aid grantmaking and community action forums.
Canopy Mental Health Clinic is a values-based, culturally informed practice offering therapy services for historically underserved and marginalized populations in the Twin Cities. Their partner wing, Canopy Roots, offers culturally affirming unarmed first responder services to people in crisis. If you are in Minneapolis, ask for Behavioral Crisis Response or “BCR” when calling 911 to ask for an unarmed response to mental health and other crises.
Nice Healthcare is a Minnesota-based company providing virtual care and home visits to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Black Immigrant Collective, founded in 2017, works at the intersection of Blackness and immigration, offering legal clinics, mutual aid, storytelling, resource sharing and policy work.
The Network for the Development of Children of African Descent (NdCAD) is a family education center that began in 1997. It seeks to positively impact children and families of African Descent in Minnesota through cultural connections and education.
Creative Kuponya works at the intersections of justice and mental health to decolonize mental health through therapy, education, speaking and community healing.
Repair King is a St. Paul-based construction business specializing in storm restoration and providing education and assistance to homeowners.
A gathering with the Black Immigrant Collective. Courtesy of Black Immigrant Collective.
Food & Drink
Golden Thyme on Selby is a well-known coffee shop in St. Paul with a musical menu and delicious coffee and tea offerings.
2 Scoops Eatery is a family-owned and operated ice cream and hot food eatery serving the St. Paul community.
Soul Bowl was started by Gerard and Brittney Klass in 2017 to create a customizable, convenient, curated soul food experience featuring a menu with musical influences.
Love You, Cookie makes gourmet cookies to spread joy and advocate for inclusive mental health services, and was a Top 40 Black Owned Business on TikTok in 2021.
Selby Wine is one of a few Black-owned liquor stores in the state.
Tommie’s Pizza is a St. Paul staple serving pizza, wings, salad and drinks.
Cheesecake Funk has operated since 2003, providing delicious desserts to Minnesotans.
Redmon’s Popcorn in New Hope, featured in the #ColbertSmallBizBump on the Late Show, is a nostalgic shop selling gourmet popcorn in many unique flavors.
The Dripping Root is Minnesota’s first Black-owned juice bar, offering fresh pressed juices and treats in an artful space in South Minneapolis.
Onyx Coffeehouse offers a great place to gather in community, meet, work or study in George Floyd Square.
Fitness
Dalton Outlaw founded Element Boxing in 2011. Courtesy of Element Gym.
612 Jungle Yoga is a Black woman-owned yoga studio and community offering a variety of classes, styles and training with a steady soundtrack of hip-hop and R&B.
Element Gym is a people-focused community fitness environment offering boxing, kickboxing, strength, and cardio training.
Books, Cards & Gifts
Dionne Sims opened Black Garnet Books in 2022. Photo by Caitlin Abrams
Mind’s Eye Comics is a Burnsville shop featuring various comic book titles and genres.
Lip Esteem offers lipsticks, lip liners and lip glosses in over 25 plant-based, gluten-free and cruelty-free shades that look good on various skin tones and lip profiles – to help people feel beautiful and good “one tube at a time.”
GiftyWrap offers paper and celebration products representing a wide range of cultures.
Strive Publishing and Bookstore in Downtown Minneapolis works to uplift Black voices in literature by centering Black culture and story.
Black Garnet Books sells new and contemporary books by authors and illustrators of color online and in a Saint Paul storefront.
D. Johnson & Co Greetingscreatescustom,culturally specific greeting cards and stationeryfor individuals and businesses.
Roseline’s Candles offers sustainably made soy candles and gifts online and in a Northeast Minneapolis storefront, as well as classes and business coaching.
Sources and Resources to Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions about National Black Business Month
What Month is National Black Business Month?
National Black Business Month is recognized in August every year.
When Did National Black Business Month Start?
National Black Business Month started in 2004.
Who Started National Black Business Month?
John William Templeton and Frederick E. Jordan co-founded National Black Business Month in 2004.
When is Black Business Month?
National Black Business Month is celebrated annually in August.