Beyoncé shook the table — as she always does — when she announced that she opened up the Black Parade Route marketplace to highlight and support Black-owned businesses across the country.
According to CNN, the goal was to highlight Black-owned businesses across different industries, including restaurants, beauty, arts and design, as well as multiple fashion brands from different countries in Africa. To celebrate these businesses further, Beyoncé dropped “Black Parade” to further highlight the achievements of these remarkable men and women, who overcame so much adversity to see their dreams come to fruition.
“Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share the joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength, and power,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “‘BLACK PARADE’ celebrates you, your voice, and your joy and will benefit Black-owned small businesses.”
Businesses that have been featured on the Black Parade Route marketplace have reported seeing a dramatic increase in their brand’s visibility. And, for what it’s worth, they absolutely deserve it. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find — and support — Black-owned businesses, especially if you live in a more rural area. With a centralized marketplace like the Black Parade Route, there’s no longer any reason to go hunting and pecking around to find one.
Now, with the holiday season upon us, it’s more important than ever to support Black-owned businesses, which have been badly battered in the pandemic. These 10 businesses — which are 10 of many businesses that Beyoncé has endorsed on her Black Parade Route marketplace — are the ones that caught our eye, and we strongly encourage you to support them, and any other Black-owned business.
1. Sage Room
This Chicago-based business prides itself on its modern twist on classic American cocktails. Their twist on the margarita and the French martini is to die for. Check out their full menu, and make your reservations, here.
2. The Harlem Chocolate Factory
Harlem Chocolate Factory is equal parts chocolate and cultural experience. Located right in the heart of the historic Striver’s Row in New York City’s cultural hub of Harlem, the company’s handmade chocolates are available for local pickup and (for a fee) national and international shipping. Check them out here.
3. Mizani Fitness
If you’re looking to shed all those post-holiday pounds (we understand), check out Mizani Fitness, which offers both in-person and virtual classes to get you back in shape. Check them out here.
4. Danessa Myricks Beauty
Looking for a Black-owned beauty brand to support? Look no further than Danessa Myricks Beauty! Check out their products here.
5. Marimad Luxury Spa
Ready to book a “girls day” in the greater Atlanta area that’s complete with medispa services? Look no further than the Marimad Luxury Spa, which offers everything from hydrafacials to microdermabrasions. Check them out here.
6. Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
Respect the New York Hustle! After Mike Cole spent time in prison, he decided to turn his life around and give back to the community, and he did that with his brand of pop culture-inspired ice cream. He’s worked with everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Viacom, as a result, and his ice creams are now available to ship worldwide. Check out Mikey Likes It Ice Cream here.
7. Comfort LA
Taking what they call a “clean approach to soul food,” Comfort LA — located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles — is currently accepting pickup and delivery orders. You can check them out here.
8. Align Brooklyn
Need a new yoga place? Based in New York? Why not check out Align, a doctor-backed wellness studio that offers a wide range of services? You can check them out here.
9. Kloset Envy
Why spend your money at fast-fashion houses based outside of the country that shall not be named here? Throw your support behind a Black-owned brand that gives you quality clothing at affordable prices. Click here to show your support to Kloset Envy.
10. Roscoe's House of Chicken & Waffles
Roscoe’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a cultural institution. With several locations throughout Southern California, it’s easy to find one near you. Click here to see where your closest Roscoe’s is!
