Staff Writer As protestors filled the streets of cities across the world last week, the COVID-19 pandemic was and still is affecting many small businesses — particularly restaurants and retailers, who are struggling to stay afloat.
For Black business owners, the economic crisis brought on by the global pandemic is more overwhelming, as historically, they face greater obstacles when it comes to accessing credit, gaining investments, and the ability to even open a business from the start. An easy way you can help make a positive impact is to buy from Black-owned businesses, as many of them around the world have been forced to lay-off their employees, reduce their hours of operations, or shut down completely.
Here is a list of Black businesses you can support in Los Angeles.
Dulan’s Soul Food
Dulan’s Soul Food is described as an iconic restaurant that was established in the ’90s, They pride themselves as a home for hearty meals, friendly staff, and a strong sense of community. They also offer catering through the contact form on their website and guarantee that with their large portions, you’ll be taking home plenty of leftovers.
- Instagram: @dulansoncrenshaw
- Address: 4859 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Kofi Effah
Kofi Effah was born in Ghana and moved to the US to follow his dreams as an artist & entrepreneur. He creates large scale wall pieces made out of buttons and owns a coffee shop with a wide range of drinks and baked goods that vary from day-to-day.
- Art: https://www.bykofi.com/
- Coffee: https://www.coffeebykofi.com/menu
- Address: 1933 S Broadway, Lobby, Los Angeles, CA
BLKGRL
BLKGRL was founded by three moms who describe themselves as a multifaceted lifestyle brand. They use their platform to highlight & advocate Black sisterhood through innovative & relevant content. Their site currently offers four different hats that you can purchase online.
- Instagram: @blkgrl.us
Shades of Afrika
Shades of Afrika is an online store & retailer that sells affordable Afrikan art, Afrikan-made products, and educational resources such as DVDs and literature. They’ve evolved from a small retailer to a cultural hub that hosts a variety of educational events, lectures, and study groups, which can be located on their events page with two locations in Southern California.
- Instagram: @shadesofafrika
- Address: 1001 E 4th St., Long Beach CA & 1390 W. 6th St. #100, Corona, CA
Happy Ice
Happy Ice is an ultra-premium water ice food truck company that you can find roaming throughout Los Angeles. This vegan, no nut, creamy ice cream is light & refreshing — a perfect refreshment in the heat of the California sun. Their locations are updated via their website at 10 am PST daily, or through their Instagram page. The highlights on their Instagram page also includes a list of their celebrity fans who’ve visited Happy Ice or booked them for a private event (and you can, too! Visit their website for inquiries).
- Instagram: @happyice
