A Call to Action Beyond Black History Month
Celebrating Black Businesses:
Every February, we come together to celebrate Black History Month, honoring the incredible achievements, resilience, and culture of the Black community. Despite the troubling anti-Black sentiment from the current administration—evidenced by the revocation of the federal designation of Black History Month—this year will be no different for the RNE ART Studios team. While our support for Black businesses should be year-round, February is our time to show out, making a concerted effort to invest in and uplift Black entrepreneurs and creators. Why? Because supporting Black businesses is more than a feel-good gesture—it’s an essential step toward shifting the paradigm away from monopolizing corporations, fostering community development, and bridging communication between cultures.
Why Black Businesses Matter
Black businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs, resources, and services tailored to the needs of their neighborhoods. Yet, despite their importance, Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers, from lack of access to funding to discriminatory practices in the marketplace. When we support Black businesses, we’re doing more than exchanging money for goods or services. We’re making a statement: that we believe in economic equity, the value of cultural contributions, and the power of self-determination.
Growing up, I was surrounded by hardworking people who embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship. My father ran a contracting business, and I watched him navigate the challenges of being a Black business owner with grit and determination. In school, I had friends who sold snacks—candy bars, chips, Big Texas rolls—between classes, learning early on the value of hustle and resourcefulness. These experiences taught me that entering the realm of business comes with its own set of challenges. Add to that the personal, financial, and sometimes even spiritual setbacks that Black entrepreneurs face, and it’s clear that building a Black-owned business requires a special kind of resilience. One could even argue that, in their solitude, Black businesses are miracles because of the sheer amount of support and consistency they require from their customers, community, and team.
Black businesses are often more expensive, and for good reason. Their size and the conscious choice to use high-quality, ethical materials drive up costs. But what many don’t realize is that Black business owners are often their own first customers. Whether it’s hair or skincare, fashion, or design, the owner is likely monetizing something they use or needed in the past. This authenticity is what makes Black businesses so unique and vital.
Shifting Away from Corporate Monopolies
Large corporations have monopolized markets, stripping communities of their unique identities and values. By choosing to spend your dollars with Black-owned businesses, you’re helping to decentralize wealth and power. This not only uplifts entrepreneurs but also creates a ripple effect that empowers entire communities.
Developing Communities
Small Black businesses often reinvest in their communities by hiring locally, mentoring youth, and supporting community initiatives. Your support can help create jobs, fund local programs, and build infrastructure that benefits everyone.
Encouraging Cross-Cultural Communication
Black businesses often serve as cultural hubs, showcasing the art, food, music, and traditions of the Black diaspora. Supporting these businesses is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, learn from other cultures, and foster mutual understanding.
Black-Owned Businesses to Support
To help you get started, here’s a list of Black-owned businesses across various industries, from small startups to corporate-scale companies:
Small Businesses:
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books: A Philadelphia-based coffee shop and bookstore.
Slutty Vegan: Atlanta’s iconic plant-based burger joint.
Briogeo: A clean haircare brand for all textures.
The Lip Bar: Vegan and cruelty-free beauty products.
RNE ART Studios: Offering creative consulting, stylized illustrations, digital prints, and handcrafted goods.
Suay Sew Shop: A sustainable shop focused on upcycled textiles.
The Bmore Brand: A Baltimore-based apparel and lifestyle brand.
Larger Corporations:
Pinky’s Cole’s Foundation: Philanthropic efforts supporting food insecurity.
FUBU: Iconic fashion brand born from hip-hop culture.
Blavity, Inc.: A tech-driven media company empowering Black millennials.
Essence Communications: A cornerstone of Black women’s media.
Black and Bold Coffee: Premium coffee that gives back to underserved youth.
Off-White: A high-end streetwear brand.
Billionaire Boys Club: Luxury streetwear by Pharrell Williams.
BLK MKT Vintage: A curated collection of Black historical and cultural artifacts.
Wear Brims: A premium hat brand.
Tori Soudan: A luxury shoe and handbag designer.
Swav Eyewear: Stylish and affordable eyewear.
Black-Owned Businesses in Baltimore:
History & Culture: The Black Arts District, The Eubie Blake National Jazz and Cultural Center, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
Food & Beverage: Bertha’s Soul Food Bar & Grill, BLK Swan, My Mama’s Vegan, Ice Queens, The Land of Kush, Like Water for Chocolate.
Shopping: The Bmore Brand, Busheler’s of Baltimore, Akeo’s Glorious Hero’s, BLK ASS FLEA MKT.
RNE ART Studios (Shameless Plug)
At RNE ART Studios, we’re proud to be a Black-owned creative hub offering a range of services and products that celebrate creativity and culture. Here’s what we bring to the table:
Services: Creative consulting, social media strategy, and stylized illustrations designed to amplify your brand’s unique voice.
Online Store: From digital prints like “Summer Child” and “Mr. Drum Instructor” to custom stickers, apparel, and handmade goods, our shop is bursting with creativity.
Blogs: Insightful articles celebrating art, culture, and entrepreneurship in the RNE ART Studios Creator Insider Blog. On the flip side, explore the fictional crevices of my imagination in the new Studio Scribe Blog (Poems, Prose, Sci-fi, Afro-futurism, etc.).
Podcasts: Tune in to the soft launch of the “Binging While Black” podcast and “The Voices Podcast” for engaging conversations on storytelling, entertainment, and cultural commentary.
When you support RNE ART Studios, you’re not just purchasing art or a service—you’re joining a movement that uplifts Black creativity and innovation. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Take Action Today
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember that supporting Black businesses is a powerful form of activism. Your dollars can help shift power dynamics, build vibrant communities, and ensure that Black entrepreneurs get the recognition and resources they deserve. So, what are you waiting for? Show out, support Black businesses, and help create a future where equity and culture thrive.
