Supporting Black-owned businesses is seen as a meaningful way to advance racial equality, especially during travel in California. Earl Cooper II, President of the Black Business Association of L.A., stated, “In terms of getting to a place where things are just and equal, it’s important that we support Black-owned businesses financially—not with just lip service, but with serious financial support.”
Various organizations and media outlets have compiled resources to help consumers find and support Black-owned shops and restaurants across California. Notable examples include dedicated websites for Los Angeles businesses, curated lists from publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Eater, San Francisco Travel, and SF Eater. Similar guides exist for regions like San Diego, Orange County, Fresno, Sacramento, and other parts of the state.
A diverse range of 17 Black-owned businesses is highlighted throughout Northern California. These include African American Expressions in Sacramento—the largest Black-owned gift and greeting card company globally—and Marcus Books in Oakland, which is recognized as the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the United States. The McBride Sisters Collection operates out of Oakland as the world’s largest African American–owned wine company. In San Francisco’s Fillmore District, Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream has been run by Thomas Bennett and his daughter Teresa for three decades.
Other notable Northern California enterprises are Fingersnaps Media Arts in San Francisco’s Mission District; Gumbo Social specializing in soul food; Laurel Burch Studios in Berkeley offering art-inspired goods; and Outdoor Afro—a nonprofit founded in Oakland that encourages outdoor engagement within Black communities through activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Central California features Alavina Skin Care in Arroyo Grande led by Cassandra Grossman; Dr. Jacques Charles Aesthetics, Health & Wellness Institute providing wellness services in Santa Barbara; Hush-Harbor Artisan Bakery & Café known for artisan breads in Atascadero; and Smobbin 559 by artist James Graham from Fresno.
Southern California includes Octavia’s Bookshelf—a Pasadena bookstore focused on works by Black authors—Obet & Del’s Coffee shop in Los Angeles’ Thai Town supporting both Filipino- and Black-owned brands; Charles Wine Company producing wines under multiple labels; Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen operated by Adolf Dulan who is regarded as a key figure in Los Angeles’ soul food scene; Jendayi Collection jewelry retailer specializing in culturally inspired pieces; Rock City Climbing gym based in Anaheim serving climbers at all levels; Stuzo Clothing brand designed for non-conforming customers created by Stoney Michelli Love; and Chula Vista Brewery—the only Black-owned brewery in San Diego County—which emphasizes inclusivity alongside its craft beers.
These efforts aim to make it easier for residents and visitors alike to identify ways to offer meaningful support to California’s diverse business community.
