Happy Juneteenth, y’all! Juneteeth is one of those things that my immigrant ass didn’t learn in my household or in grade school, so I’m relatively new to this, but BABY! After the year we’ve had, you better believe that my Black behind took a day to commemorate these last 155 years of ‘freedom‘!
…Well, half day. My CEO and Jack are not the same.
Also on the list of things I didn’t learn about in grade school: Black Wall Street. By 1921, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the most affluent Black neighborhoods in the United States. It was home to a variety of modern homes, stores, cafes and theaters – all Black-owned and Black-run. On May 31, 1921, white supremacists (read: jealous haters) started a series of riots, burning down the neighborhood and leaving hundreds of Black people injured and killed and thousands more displaced. This piece of history always blows my mind because it shows, very clearly, Black people’s potential to build wealth and capital and how intimidating that can be to some of our non-Black counterparts. I mean, they don’t even want us to learn about Greenwood in school, so the proof is in the systemic racism pudding.
Now that you’ve gotten your small history lesson for the day… I write all of this to say how much I commend and support my family & friends who are starting their own Black-owned businesses and building their own wealth today, despite all the difficulties it comes with. It is so important. I’m forever inspired and look on fondly, while taking copious notes. I’m speaking and manifesting mine into existence.
Here are a few of my faves, all of which happen to be Black woman-owned (no tone policing @ J. Cole). It’s Juneteenth; BUY BLACK – and they got deals, hunny!
When you want to celebrate and make a statement: Ardhi Apparel
- https://ardhiapparel.com
- @ardhiapparel
- Deal: Use ‘FREEDOM19’ for 19% off purchases of $30 or more (ends 6/22/20)
- Sonia Said: Queen Harriet Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
When you want to keep the kids (and yourself) cute: Blue Jae Co
- https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueJaeCo
- @bluejaeco
- Sonia Said: Knotted Crown (it drops today!)
When you’re busty, but can still make it fashion: Buzzoms
- https://buzzoms.com/a/pre-launch
- @buzzoms
- Sonia Said: Sign up for the launch!
When you want to light a vibe: Cadence Candle Co.
- https://www.cadencecandleco.com
- @cadencecandleco
- Deal: 15% of proceeds are donated to ACLU
- Sonia Said: Candle No. 2: Sweet Life
When you want your event to be lit: Infatuating Affairs
- http://www.infatuating-affairs.com
- @infatuatingaffairs
- Sonia Said: Weddings, Birthday Parties
When you want your piece of The Motherland: Kaiem
- https://bykaiem.com
- @bykaiem
- Deal: 20% off EVERYTHING (ends 6/19/2020)
- Sonia Said: R&R Luxury Baobab Oil, Snacks of Africa (SOA) Toasted Coconut Chips
When you realize African fashion is simply superior: Posh Africana
- http://www.poshafricana.com
- @poshafricana
- Sonia Said: Mono Ruffle Sleeve Dress by For Style Sake (it’s in my cart!)
When you want to get lit: RichWine
- https://www.richwinerva.com
- @richwinerva
- Deal: Use ‘Juneteenth’ for 10% off all orders (ends 6/19/2020)
- Sonia Said: Anything South African
*SHAMELESS PLUG* My mom writes children’s books. Only buy from Amazon today, if you’re buying her books. ThankQ!
*BONUS* I don’t personally know any of their founders (yet!), but these brands are on my list to try: