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A list of NYC Black-owned bookstores and businesses you can support

black owned June 10, 2020
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bookstore

One way people are showing their solidarity for the #BlackLivesMatter movement is by supporting black-owned businesses. And we know, at times, it can be hard to find them but we got you, fam. 

We’ve compiled a list of NYC black-owned bookstores and businesses to support. Check it out and most importantly, pull up!

Bookstores

Harriett’s Bookshop


This bookstore is dedicated to celebrating the work of female authors, activists, and artists. Harriett’s is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but you should head over once it opens up again. Harriett’s Bookshop is located on 258 E. Girard Ave and is open daily from 10 am-6 pm. 

The store accepts donations via Venmo at @$harriettsbookshop.

The Lit Bar

The Lit Bar is an independent bookstore, wine bar, and the only indie bookstore in the Bronx. The owner, Noelle Santos, came up with this idea while she was protesting with 3,000 others over the closing of Barnes and Noble. Noelle has created a more sustainable, accessible space that reflects the needs of her community.

The Lit Bar is located on 131 Alexander Avenue in the Bronx.

The bookstore is also temporarily closed due to COVID-19 but you can still support by ordering books online via their partner, bookshop.org.

Revolution Books


Revolution Books is the place to go for books related to social change. Although it is not black-owned, it is home to many books that focus on racial oppression.

This bookstore is located on 437 Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem.

Cafe Con Libros

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What is the meaning of freedom? Angela Y. Davis’ life and work have been dedicated to examining this fundamental question and to ending all forms of oppression that deny people their political, cultural, and sexual freedom. In this collection of twelve searing, previously unpublished speeches, Davis confronts the interconnected issues of power, race, gender, class, incarceration, conservatism, and the ongoing need for social change in the United States. With her characteristic brilliance, historical insight, and penetrating analysis, Davis addresses examples of institutional injustice and explores the radical notion of freedom as a collective striving for real democracy – not something granted or guaranteed through laws, proclamations, or policies, but something that grows from a participatory social process that demands new ways of thinking and being. “The speeches gathered together here are timely and timeless,” writes Robin D.G. Kelley in the foreword, “they embody Angela Davis’ uniquely radical vision of the society we need to build, and the path to get there.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Meaning of Freedom articulates a bold vision of the society we need to build and the path to get there. This is her only book of speeches.

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Cafe Con Libros (coffee with books) is best known for being the home of an intersectional feminist community as well as a coffee shop. Their mission is to have a place where female-identifying artists and creators have a safe space to share their work. 

Cafe Con Libros is located on 724 Prospect Place in Brooklyn. You can support them by ordering a book through their website.

Sisters Uptown Bookstore

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Reposted from @_onekin ⁣In the words of our Bookstore partner @sistersuptown , “Reading is Power”. During these times of mourning and social upheaval, it is essential to lean on past and present Black + POC literary greats for clarity, guidance and healing. ⠀ ⠀ We’ve curated a ‘Consciousness Reading Book Guide’ to help educate, empower and help both allies and POC KINfolk alike navigate these dark times. Because we are all being challenged to confront and combat our own conditioning. ⠀ ⠀ Swipe left, visit the Sister’s Uptown shop on the oneKIN marketplace for the full list of books to buy, and feel free to share with friends/family/colleagues etc.⠀ ⠀ We are so grateful to the hundreds who’ve reached out to oneKIN and Sister’s Uptown in the last 48 hours. Welcome to our family, thank you for your requests, orders, recommendations and support. As always, this is a space for community, so please continue to reach out for support and/or recommendations. Community, education and collective action is what it will take to change the inequitable status quo!⠀ ⠀ #StandwithSisters #oneKIN #shopBLKnBRN #ReadingIsPower – #regrann

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Sisters Uptown Bookstore is a family-owned and operated bookstore. This bookstore expands the knowledge of its community members with books written by African American authors and others.

Their motto, “knowledge is key” further emphasizes their mission of creating an educational environment where all are welcomed.

Sisters Uptown Bookstore is located at 1942 Amsterdam Ave in Washington Heights.

Food Businesses

Before you scroll down, be sure to download the EatOkra app. EatOkra will help you find your local Black restaurants.

Africana Restaurant

Africana Restaurant is considered one of the top 10 best African restaurants in Queens. It is located on 14612 Liberty Ave. Take the time to enjoy some Jollof rice while appreciating the Nigerian culture!

Jamaica Breeze

Jamaica Breeze is known for its wide variety of Jamaican foods, baked goods, and drinks. A restaurant of Jamaican chefs that have passed down authentic recipes for generations? It’s almost too good to be true. 

Jamaica Breeze is located on 103-02 Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst. Take the time to enjoy some delicious Jamaican jerk chicken and take a quick trip to Jamaica.

Country Life Jerk

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Country Life Jerk is located on 147-12 Tuskegee Airmen Way in Jamaica, Queens. With delicious foods and even better customer service, many customers have begun to make this place a must-visit.

Percy’s Jerk Hut

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Jerk Pork All Day!!!! 🐷 🐷 #jerkhut #jerkpork

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Percy’s Jerk Hut specializes in serving the best authentic Jamaican food you can find in Queens. With many customers claiming they have the best Jerk chicken around, there’s only one way to find out!

Percy’s is located on 231-07 Merrick Blvd in Jamaica, Queens.

Island Taste Lounge

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$10 Crab Clusters

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Best known for its delicious Caribbean food, Island Taste Lounge is the place to be. Located on 243-10 Merrick Blvd in Queens, this is the place to go for all your Caribbean food needs!

Freckle’s Juice Bar


Freckle’s Juice Bar is dedicated to serving natural juices, smoothies, and healthy foods, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Freckles Juice has two locations, one in the Bronx and one in White Plains. 

Amy Ruth’s

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Thank you for supporting #harlemsmallbusiness @cy_eats We strive to deliver the best chicken and waffles in NYC !!!! This photo is OUTSTANDING and so are you! Go give @cy_eats a follow!!! We love being able to deliver our soul food to you during these times. Thank you for continuing to keep us open by ordering to go meals. We appreciate all your support. 🙏🏽 ……………………………………………………….. PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE PROVIDING TAKE-OUT 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-8PM and you can get delivery via @grubhub and now @doordash Stay safe. We love and miss you all. 📸 Tag us on your Amy Ruth’s take-out/delivery posts and get featured on our IG! . . . #harlem #soulfood #food #foodporn #foodie #love #nyc #nycrestaurants #eat #grubhub #staystrong #family #friends #foodphotography #amyruthsharlem #amyruths

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Best known for their chicken and waffles (deemed #2 in the country, by the way), Amy Ruth’s menu will make you fall in love with homestyle southern cooking. 

Swing by at 113 West 116th Street in Harlem.

Field Trip NYC


Founded in 2019, Field Trip is a community-based restaurant that specializes in rice. Their motto is “Rice is Culture”. Rice is the staple of many dishes and founder of Fieldtrip, Chef JJ Johnson recognizes that rice connects us all. 

Take a field trip to Field Trip, located on 109 Malcolm X Blvd in Harlem.

Kingston Harlem

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#JerkShrimp and #CoconutGrits — #IssaBottomlessBrunch #IssaRumPunch #ShrimpandGrits

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Kingston Harlem brings the warmth of Jamaica right back to New York City! This restaurant blesses you with an authentic Jamaican and Caribbean experience.

Located on 218 W 116th St in Harlem, head to Kingston, but in New York!

Boulevard Bistro

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#PresidentsDay brunch is here! Come by and get all your favorites BLVD favorites on your extra day off.

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Boulevard Bistro’s mission is to bring you soul food classics with a twist. Cocktails and wine are the staple drinks here. Many have dubbed this place a favorite, recommending dishes like the biscuit sandwiches, fried grouper, pancakes, okra, fried chicken, potato salad, collard greens, smoked chicken, and meatloaf.

Come down to 239 Malcolm X Boulevard for a modernized take on classic soul foods. 

Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill


Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill is meant to provide an escape from your everyday life. This business dedicates itself to help us all celebrate the simple pleasures in life–eating good food and celebrating with friends. 

Located on 55 Water Street in Brooklyn, the view will make you go in and the food will make you stay. 

Sweet Science


Sweet Science is known for its generous bar space and amazing comfort foods. It is a must-visit for visitors and New Yorkers all around. 

Bring your friends over to Sweet Science where you’ll always feel comfortable and goodbyes are bittersweet. Sweet Science is currently open for delivery and pickups. It is located on 135 Graham Avenue in Brooklyn.

MangoSeed Restaurant


MangoSeed Restaurant is known for its Caribbean food mixed in with the Brooklyn ingenuity and also, wood fire pizza. This restaurant is best known for its neo-Caribbean cuisine. They offer warm hospitality, good music, and a lively environment. 

Come by to Mangoseed Restaurant and Bar, located on 757 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

Tilly’s BKLYN


Tilly’s BKLYN is a family-owned beer and wine bar, located in 1223 Bedford Ave in Brooklyn. Known for serving a wide selection of wine and craft beers, you should also come by to enjoy live music and game nights (when coronavirus is over, of course).

Teranga

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Yes, vegan food can be delicious, comforting, and healthy. Available for take out and delivery. #WelcomeHome #ItsTeranga

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At Teranga, their mission to celebrate African culture through their food, showcasing the depth, richness, and vibrancy of African heritage through modernized settings. Teranga’s food is inspired by traditional African home cooking with ingredients carefully sourced from smallholder farms in Africa and locally produced ones in America. 

Teranga is located on 1280 5th Avenue in Harlem.

Lee Lee’s Rugelach


Lee Lee’s Rugelach was founded by Alvin Lee Smalls, a man whose passion was to create baked goods from all-natural ingredients. Customers rave about his baked goods, claiming it to be better than those in stores.

Find him on 283 West 118th Street in Harlem. Come for the treats and stay for the sweet nature of Alvin Lee Smalls, affectionately known as “Lee-Lee” or “Mr. Lee” by his regulars.

Chez Alain

Chez Alain serves delicious Senegalese food. Many testimonials claim that this place is a must-visit. Huge portions, amazing food, and great customer service–what else can you ask for?

Check them out at 2046 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Harlem.

Make My Fish

Make My Fish serves great Southern-style food, with fish and chips being their most popular. Their food quality is consistent and its ambiance is super casual.

Come find your fish at 120 W 116th Street in Harlem.

Fitness

Gorgeous Gains is a business that caters to those who want to get active and feel beautiful. The founder, Jhavonne, turned to the gym when things became tough for her and used it as her safe haven. As her confidence increased, so did her gains!

In her words herself, “I just want to help people love themselves and feel beautiful, so never forget to get them gains, gorgeous.”

Beauty businesses


Scotch Porter is a black-owned business for men’s hair, skin, and beard products. Self-care is their priority, so if you’re part of the #BeardGang, head on over!

We hope we’ve provided your taste buds, hair, and body with a tangible set of Black-owned businesses. Give Black people your coins–they have worked hard for centuries and they deserve it!

For more information on Black businesses, click here.

For more Black-owned restaurants in NYC, click here.

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