Black History Month is a time where we celebrate all the accomplishments African Americans have achieved. In honor of that, we’re highlighting a few incredible black-owned businesses that help contribute to the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your wardrobe, create a kitchen masterpiece, or stuff your face, these local spots have you covered.
Calabash Tea & Tonic
Yelpers have a love affair with this cozy tea shop owned by Sunyatta Amen, a fifth-generation master herbalist and naturopath dedicated to bringing her special brand of healing to the District. Calabash Tea was recently named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in the US and was voted the most loved business in the city!
What Yelpers Say: Calabash is like a whole other planet. A warm and cozy planet that wraps you up with good flavors, good for you potions, and good vibes. Even when they’ve got a line, Calabash just oozes relaxation, which I think is good for a tea spot. I’m a sucker for their house-made Chai, as well as for their Matcha. Each cup comes with some wisdom or kind words to take with you through the day. day. – Reana K
The Brown Beauty Co-op
The brainchild of two best friends, The Brown Beauty Co-op was created to create a physical space that catered for women of color who wear their hair naturally.
What Yelpers Say: This establishment has it all….and I’m not focused on only the products, because they are cycled to bring new products to users….I’m talking about phenomenal customer service with impeccable knowledge about their products and the vendors. Im talking about their dedication to bring entrepreneurs and creators to the forefront, not only to sell but tell their stories during seminars and special events. – Faizah C
Cane
Led by brother and sister team Chef Peter Prime and Jeanine Prime, Cane is dedicated to celebrating the local street foods of their native homeland, the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago.
What Yelpers Say: This restaurant is awesome. This was delicious is every sense of the word. You want spicy? It’s here. You want sweet? It’s here. I literally did not eat bad thing while here. Peter and Jeanine Prime are doing DC a great service by offering flavors you literally won’t get unless you go to Trinidad! – Jared T
Nubian Hueman
Nubian Hueman founder Anika Hobbs created her space to be a catalyst for culture, community, and the development of the creative economy. Her store is a social enterprise specializing in sourcing and curating unique goods, fashion, and art by designers representing the global Diaspora. Proudly, 99% of their products are made and purchased by people of color.
What Yelpers Say: There is nothing like a shop full of high quality stuff made for “us”. “Us” with melanin and, most especially, “Us” from DC. The shop has a great collection of tops, tees, onesies (for the littlest queens and kings) and accessories with all kinds of positive and uplifting messaging… as well as some with phrases that you really won’t understand if you’re not from here (Mumbo Sauce, Go-Go, and Half Smokes, anyone?) – Rizma W
The Spice Suite
Angel’s love of flavor landed her a spot in thee Top 40 of MasterChef’s Season 8! Her shop allows her to share her passion for food by bringing global spices and culinary delights to the District.
What Yelpers Say: This spice shop is such a jewel. The owner is an amazing spirit!! What I love most is that she gives back to the community; showcasing other small businesses by way of popup shops in her spot, allowing them to host events in her spot, or the special chalkboard wall with all the business’ social media info. So dope! – TK B
Photography by: YELPER SUNYATTA A (CALABASH TEA & TONIC); VIA YELP.COM FROM THE BUSINESS OWNER (BROWN BEAUTY CO-OP); FROM THE BUSINESS OWNER (CANE); YELPER SHERANDA R (NUBIAN HUEMAN); YELPER KIRA C (THE SPICE SUITE)
