SHOPPE BLACK

Historic Black Owned Restaurant Approved for Coronavirus Relief Loan

6 mins read

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a historic Black Owned restaurant restaurant in Washington, D.C. Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the D.C. region,  the landmark has been doing its best to adapt.

Thankfully, a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program means the U Street institution will get to feed its loyal and hungry patrons for a bit longer.

historic black owned restaurant

Sage Ali, a member of the Ali family that owns the restaurants, said that the business’ bank informed him that the application for the loan was approved for the second round of PPPs. The application did not get in in time for the first round.

A PPP is a Small Business Administration loan that helps businesses keep their workforces employed during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Things are good … and we’re very thankful for that,” Ali said.

They have not received the money, but Ali said that it should cover at least two months of the payroll for the four restaurants that the family owns: the original one and Ben’s Next Door on U Street NW, a location on H Street NE and one in Arlington, Virginia.

Currently, only the original restaurant remains open for takeout and delivery.

Ali said that he would only consider reopening on a case-by-case basis.

He said the personal family commitment has been that the U Street location will never close, “but we really do have to look at the other locations on a case-by-case basis and see.”

Ali said that it’s hard to imagine what the “new normal” means.

“As you know, the Chili Bowl has been a real community gathering place, and we’ve created where the community goes. Even beyond the DMV, it has become a global community gathering place,” Ali said.

But what does social gathering mean after social distancing? That is what Ben’s Chili Bowl and other restaurants and businesses are trying to figure out.

“This would have easily been our biggest year ever” had it not been for the closures, Ali said.

Another Ben’s Chili Bowl location had just opened at the beginning of March at the Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore, but by March 16, the casino closed due to the orders to shutter nonessential businesses.

Loads of tourists were also scheduled to bring in revenue this spring and summer with the cherry blossoms and summer vacation, and bookings that were scheduled months in advance all the way to September were canceled.

“It changes the whole game, and we have to look up and say, ‘How do we adapt to this?’” Ali said.

However, even with over 80% of the business down, Ali said people have been very supportive.

When news hit that the restaurant was in danger of closing because it did not get a loan during the first round, people started coming in, ordering more online. One person even bought a $500 gift card.

Ali said while he and the family were very thankful, it was a little bit uncomfortable.

“We’ve never asked for money,” Ali said. “We’re so thankful with what we’ve been given by the city that our job is to give back and to support and to bring something to the community,” and he said they did not really feel right accepting the man’s generosity.

So, they turned it around, using the money to feed first responders and those in assisted-living facilities.

“That came as a response to this beautiful outpouring of love. How do we pay that forward? How do we use that to enhance our ability to give back?” Ali said.

So now, when people buy gift cards, Ben’s Chili Bowl is taking that and reusing it to buy food that will be donated to first responders.

“We’re not saying, ‘Hey please come and help us,’” Ali said. “We’re thankful for people to come, and if you want a meal, come and get a good meal. Come get a friendly face. That’s what we do. That’s what we’re here for. We’ve always been here for you, so we’re trying to give more than we receive. That’s what we’re here for,” Ali said.

For more information on purchasing a gift card or ordering a chili dog, go to Ben’s Chili Bowl website.

You can also find out more about how to help the restaurant feed first responders on the Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation.

 

You might be interested in

Black Owned Telecom Company Donates Over 700,000 Units of Personal Protection Equipment to Healthcare Workers

2 mins read
Black Owned Telecom Company

Figgers Communications is one of the only Black owned telecom company in the United States.

Committed to making the world a better place by donating a percentage of the company’s profits to pro-social efforts, philanthropist and CEO Freddie Figgers has spearheaded a campaign to provide critical assistance to thousands of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

The Florida-based non-profit is donating and distributing approximately 700,000 units of personal protection equipment (“PPE”) to Coronavirus outbreak hotspots around the country.

These hotspots include hospitals and healthcare workers in New York, Washington State, California, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, Florida, and Michigan. The donations include some of the most crucial PPE equipment such as surgical masks, N95 masks, face shields and hazardous material protective coveralls.

“When I saw the virus in China and how it affected the nearly 1.5 billion population, I knew it was only a matter of time before it struck home here in America,” said Figgers. “I knew the pandemic could potentially overwhelm our healthcare system and began planning to gather critical supplies, such as PPEs, anticipating that access to protective gear could become an issue for healthcare professionals on the front lines.

I was able to purchase these supplies directly from manufacturers before they would be overwhelmed themselves. We are grateful to be able to make this contribution and stand with American first responders as they work tirelessly to battle this global health crisis. I am personally committed to doing everything in my power to make the world a better place.”

Distribution of PPE donations will continue while supplies last – if you are a healthcare provider in need of PPE for your patient care staff, please submit a request by visiting The Figgers Foundation website at http://www.figgersfoundation.org.

 

Source: PR Web

Related: Black Owned Telecom Firm Donates 500 Free Phones to Help Families in Puerto Rico

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

FAMU Secures $750,000 in Federal Scholarship Funds to Attract Students To Study Agriculture and Food Sciences

3 mins read
famu

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) received $752,632 in federal funds for scholarships to attract high achieving students.

Funding from this 1890 Scholarship Program will provide 49 new scholarships for entering freshmen to pursue and obtain their baccalaureate degrees in food and agricultural sciences from FAMU in four years, and for qualified, transfer students in two years.

“The timing of this scholarship funding could not be more opportune,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “The present circumstances reinforce the need for us to train more scholars who can make advances in issues such as food security and create other opportunities in agriculture. These funds will allow FAMU to bring much needed and diverse talent to this area of critical need for our nation.”

The funding is one of 19 awards totaling $14 million to 1890 land grant colleges, which are historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The funding is made possible through NIFA’s 1890 Scholarships Program, authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. FAMU alumnus U.S. Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., is credited with the scholarship appropriation’s inclusion in the legislation.

The grant program seeks to address a critical question facing the food and agricultural sciences industry, how does it attract more talented young, diverse persons into agricultural jobs, said CAFS Dean Robert Taylor.

“Indeed, this continues to be the major question that is being asked by faculty and administrators in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at FAMU, as it tries to respond to the low, and in some cases, declining enrollment in some of its critical academic programs,” Taylor said.

With state and federal funding for education on the decline, the student debt burden continues to be high. The overall goal of this 1890 Scholarships Program is to address that issue by providing scholarships to support the recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training of outstanding students as they pursue baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences in CAFS at FAMU.

Scholars will be recruited from across Florida and from neighboring states, such as Georgia and Alabama. High achieving students will be invited to apply to the FAMU 1890 Scholarship Program. In order to be selected, students must meet or exceed the stated criteria for the various scholarships advertised.

“This funding will help CAFS cultivate and graduate more diverse leaders, who will be well equipped to address and solve future emerging challenges in food and agricultural sciences,” Taylor said.

 

Source: FAMU News

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

Black Millionaire Pledged $1 Million To Help The Unemployed During COVID-19 crisis

2 mins read
Willie Wilson

In March, Chicago based businessman and philanthropist, Willie Wilson announced he would be sending $100 to 10,000 people who have recently lost their job due to COVID-19.

Wilson has a rags-to-riches life story that began when he left his humble Louisiana home at age 13 with only a seventh-grade education. He went from earning 20 cents an hour in cotton and sugar cane fields to founding Omar Medical Supplies Inc., a business that distributes gloves and protective clothing to restaurant chains, governmental institutions, and hotels.

He has donated hundreds of thousands of masks to Sinai Health System and 22 other community organizations, 20,000 to Jackson Park Hospital, 10,000 to the Westside NAACP, 50,000 to the Chicago Transit Authority and 10,000 for correctional officers at the Cook County Jail.

He also has given masks to ministers and aldermen to hand out in the community and donated others to senior citizen facilities.

“Folks are anxious. Folks are afraid, and their future is uncertain. We’re all in this together. So, we must pull together. [In] just a small way I can help bridge the gap until the government steps up and does what’s right, quickly, for those in need. I am blessed to be able to do it,” Wilson said in a statement.

Per the Willie Wilson Foundation website, “We have exhausted our funding for this $1 Million Dollar Giveaway. If you would like to be considered for our next event, please continue to register.  ”

Willie Wilson
Looks like some folks actually got their $$

To learn more about his next event, visit the Willie Wilson Foundation website.

 

-Tony O. Lawson

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

 

You might be interested in

This Black Owned Candle Business Won’t Let a Pandemic Put Its Fire Out

5 mins read
Black Owned Candle Business

Scent & Fire Candle Company is a Black owned candle business that makes products for those who enjoy using aroma-driven mood enhancers to beautify their environment.

We caught up with founder, Monisha Edwards to find out what she did to increase her sales in a time when many businesses are struggling.

Scent & Fire Candle Company founder, Monisha Edwards

What inspired you to start your business?

I started Scent & Fire Candle company because I have suffered from anxiety, stress, and depression for many years.

I started looking into holistic ways to alleviate stress and anxiety and stumbled upon aromatherapy. From there, I started getting into candle making. I created three signature scents for myself and being a brand strategist, I decided to design a mockup of my labels and posted them on Facebook.

Everyone wanted to buy my candles, so I set aside some time over a weekend and designed a website, ordered supplies to make more candles, come up with the name Scent & Fire, and registered the business.

I decided to use my candle company as a platform to educate about mental health, wellness, and the importance of practicing self-care.

 

What were your initial thoughts when you learned about the Coronavirus outbreak?

When I initially heard about the Coronavirus outbreak, I thought that it would be another Ebola or Swine Flu phase. I felt bad for the people who were contracting it and becoming ill, but I had no idea that it was what it is now.

Once I started hearing about the seriousness of the virus, I started taking extra precautions in my daily routines and started going out less often. When we were all encouraged to stay home, I basically self-quarantined even though I wasn’t sick. I have chronic asthma, so I definitely couldn’t afford to get sick.

How has it affected your business?

The Coronavirus crisis affected my business tremendously.  Sales from my online store decreased and by the time March came around, I had no income lined up, so I had to figure out how to make money to help me pay bills.

Black Owned Candle Business

What new strategies have you implemented or do you plan to implement in your business? 

My sales increased after I created a Quarantine based theme and playlists that came with the candles. The names are Socially Distant, Shelter & Chill, Living Room Flex, and Therapy In Place.

People thought that the names were really creative, and they also liked the fact that you could scan a QR code on the box that the candles come in, light the candle, and vibe out to some good music to create an experience right at home.

Once I did this, my story was picked up by the news, and sales increased even more due to people loving my story about how I basically “turned lemons into lemonade” during this tough time where many small businesses are struggling to keep doors open. I definitely made a great pivot with my candle brand, and I feel like things will do even better in the coming months.

I also plan to do more marketing via social media. I feel its essential because even after the Shelter-In-Place mandate is lifted, many people will still be cautious of going out in public or be in big crowds, and they will still be online more often than not.

Black Owned Candle Business


If you had one ask of your community right now, what would it be?

If I would ask that my community pray for and support all small businesses right now, especially black-owned businesses and establishments. We need you the most.

Share a post, buy a gift card, or patron a black-owned establishment as often as you can. Times like these are difficult and we are in dire need of support from our very own community.

 

–Tony O. Lawson 

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter!

You might be interested in

What Small Business Owners Need to Know About the New Stimulus Bill

9 mins read
small business owners

Congressional leaders reached an agreement with the White House on Tuesday for the relief bill to aid small-business owners. The bill, which includes a $310 billion refresh of the Paycheck Protection Program, has now been sent to the House for approval.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the future of the PPP program and alternative financing.

What’s happening with the Paycheck Protection Program?

The initial $350 billion for the PPP was designed to help small businesses cover payroll and other costs during the coronavirus pandemic. The program was exhausted as of April 16.

Lawmakers are now seeking to approve $484 billion to be allocated to small businesses, including $310 billion for the PPP program. House approval is expected Thursday.

I was approved for a PPP loan. Will I still get funding? How long will it take?

If you were approved and received confirmation from your lender, you can expect to receive PPP funds in around seven to 10 days. If you think you were approved, but didn’t receive any form of confirmation from your lender, it’s likely that you won’t receive a loan from the first $350 billion Congress put aside for this program.

Many bank clients believe they’ve been approved, but weren’t. The best way for a business owner to check whether or not they’ve been approved is to follow up directly with their lender. Many lenders have been proactive in updating their clients, and are planning to submit applications that weren’t approved by the SBA before the funding initially ran out.

How can I apply for the new round of PPP funds?

According to the SBA, lender enrollment and new loan applications aren’t being accepted at this time. Once the new bill is signed into law, the SBA is expected to announce when it will take applications for PPP again.

Small Business Owners

While waiting for PPP funding to resume, businesses should collect all required documentation for the program and send it to their bank lender. This enables the bank to prepare for submitting a client’s application as soon as the program opens again.

Tony Wilkinson, president and CEO of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, said that he expects funding to once again be gone in as quickly as a week.

“Lenders will be hitting the submit button on a significant number of applications as soon as it’s open,” he said.

If I applied to the first round of PPP, do I have to apply again?

Business owners don’t have to apply again if their application didn’t get approved in the first round. Many lenders have held on to these applications, and are prioritizing them in the pipeline for when the program opens up again.

How are lenders handling loans that didn’t get funded before the money ran out for the PPP?

Many lenders are continuing to process loans that didn’t get funded in the first round. They expect the process to move quickly when funds are available again.

Umpqua Bank, for example, has spent the past several days making sure small businesses have documentation and that their applications are completed and ready to go. The bank has had its teams working in shifts around the clock to get the high volume of applications completed.

“Our goal is to have as many small-business applications ready to submit to the SBA as soon as it reopens the PPP application process,” said Tory Nixon, senior executive vice president and chief banking officer at Umpqua Bank.

While it isn’t too late for business owners who haven’t yet applied, there is incredibly high demand. Reach out to your lenders as soon as possible to inquire whether they have the capacity to process your application.

“With the next round, it’s really a race against the clock to help as many small businesses as possible before the funding is again fully committed, which could happen within just a few days,” said Mr. Nixon.

The small-business loan program designed to keep workers employed is out of money, and some main street business owners hit by the coronavirus pandemic say that it simply isn’t enough to keep their business alive in the first place.

What can I use my PPP loan for?

PPP loans are primarily to be used for payroll-related expenses. At least 75% of the loan is required to be used for payroll; it is anticipated that no more than 25% can be used for mortgage interest, rent or lease payments, utilities and interest or debt accumulated since Feb. 15.

Utility expenses encompass necessities like cable and internet. Exceptions include personal expenses, including compensation above $100,000.

PPP funds must be used in 8 weeks to be forgiven. If unused or used for anything other than payroll or utility expenses, the loans aren’t forgivable and must be repaid, according to the Treasury’s fact sheet, which can be found online. Business owners will also owe money if they fail to maintain employee head-count.

Can I pay myself with the funds?

It depends on how the business is structured. If the business owner is a sole proprietor or salaried, they are entitled to pay themselves from the PPP. But if the business is an S corporation and the owner receives owner draws, then they aren’t entitled to use the money for their own pay.

For those who are eligible, the PPP can cover one’s salary up to $100,000.

Can I still get a traditional SBA loan?

For now, business owners can still apply for standard SBA loans, though a bank’s capacity to process them might be limited at this time. Call your bank first to ask if it can still be done in a timely manner.

While the money is available, standard SBA loans are a viable option for those who don’t qualify for the PPP, or are awaiting possible funding from it.

In addition, the SBA Debt Relief program is automatically suspending payments for all current and new borrowers for a six-month period. This includes principal, interest and fees for 7(a), 504 and microloans issued before this Sept. 27.

What about the Employee Retention Credit?

The Employee Retention Credit, which launched March 31, is a refundable tax credit implemented to help businesses to keep their employees on payroll.

Separate from the stimulus package, the tax credit is for 50% of up to $10,000 in wages for each employee if a business has been hurt by Covid-19, according to the IRS.

To qualify, a business must be fully or partially suspended due to the government order, or making less than 50% of comparable quarterly earnings.

Can I sign up for the Employee Retention Credit in addition to the PPP?

The Employee Retention Credit can’t be used in tandem with the PPP.

What resources are available for independent contractors or gig-economy workers?

Independent contractors and gig workers can collect unemployment. Businesses are encouraged to inform their contractors of this new benefit.

Independent contractors, sole proprietors and people who are self-employed are also qualified to apply for the PPP, according to the SBA.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

You might be interested in

This Black Owned Pepper and Spice Farm Wants To Bring The Heat To Your Kitchen

4 mins read
Black Owned Pepper and Spice Farm

Like many other Black owned businesses that have taken a hit in the past few months, Herban Farm is navigating how to survive and still serve the community.

We spoke with owner and operator, Ras Peynado to see how things are going.

black owned pepper farm
Ras Peynado, owner of Herban Farm

What inspired you to start a farm?

I was inspired by the story my mother told me about her and my father’s dream to own/operate an urban farm in Seattle, Wa. My parents never were able to realize this dream since father died in Jamaica, a poor rastaman.

I later took part of his humble lifestyle (farming) and turned it into a profitable lifestyle. I’m also inspired by my own passion for growing medical marijuana.

black owned pepper and spice farm
Ras and his late father.

How has the Coronavirus outbreak affected your business?

GREATLY! The Coronavirus completely devastated my business sales. I operate at Pike Place Market 4-7 days a week year-round depending on the season with a small sales agent team.

We primarily depend on tourism. Tourists that come into the city and even more on cruise ship tourism from April-October. Tourism accounts for 85%-90% of my sales and since March have not been able to set up at market due to the statewide lockdown in Washington.

Black Owned Pepper and Spice Farm

How has it affected your lifestyle?

It’s been hard however I have been able to keep busy living on my urban farm. Spring is always a busy time of year with the start of the farm season also a very expensive time of year.

I am continually investing in infrastructure, supplies, kitchen and farm expenses. It’s really hard to continue to do that without cash flow or capital during these times.

I keep a good spirit and stay to my work. I’m not the only one experiencing this. I miss being at my market surrounded by a community of over 100 farmers and 300 craftspeople.

What new strategies have you implemented or do you plan to implement in your business?

Working with local partners like Savor Seattle and the Atrium Kitchen At Pike Place to come up with creative ways to reach the locals. I create seasonings, sauces, vinegars and other infusions like my Hot Honey Sauce.

All new fresh flavors to use in the kitchen! This is the time when people are spending more time in the kitchen and needing to stay satisfied avoiding the same old stale flavors from the grocery store.

My partners have been able to gather other fresh local producers to create weekly boxes/bags that can be curbside picked up or delivered throughout the city services hundreds of customers so far.

 

If you had one ask of your community right now, what would it be?

To be patient with each other, to protect each other, to love each other, and to support each other.

 

Tony O. Lawson

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram &Twitter

 Get your SHOPPE BLACK Apparel!

You might be interested in

How This Black Owned Beauty Supply Store Is Readjusting To Changing Times

3 mins read
Black Owned Beauty Supply Store

Due to government-imposed mandates, many Black owned beauty supply stores have seen foot traffic decline or completely stop.

However, some have found ways to meet the demand for their products. One of those businesses is Glendale, CA based Blessed Beauty Supply.

black owned beauty supply
Lexus Allen, owner of Blessed Beauty Supply

What inspired you to start a beauty supply store?

I started transitioning to natural in 2015 and I became a bit of a product junkie. I started loving my natural hair/curls, keeping it healthy, and trying new products. I loved shopping for products but didn’t really know anyone else who enjoyed it as much as me.

So, I decided to open my own store where I could create a community/environment to meet other people who loved it as much as I do, and to help other women and men on their hair journeys.
Black Owned Beauty Supply Store

How has the Coronavirus outbreak affected your business?

Initially, the coronavirus slowed business down a bit but things have begun to pick up again. I’ve been getting new customers from all over the world, which is great. Beauty supplies, especially Black-owned products online are in higher demand now more than ever before.

What new strategies have you implemented or do you plan to implement in your business?

Luckily, I already had an online store setup. Having that in place made adjusting to the pandemic much easier. I’ve switched to solely selling online, and I’ve also implemented curbside pickup for those that live locally and don’t want to wait for shipping.

Although our shipping is pretty quick (usually 1-3 days). I’m still strategizing on any other ways I can make this time easier for my customers because I want them to always have a good experience when shopping with Blessed.

If you had one ask of your community right now, what would it be?

Support and patience. During this time and any, I ask that the community unconditionally support Black-owned businesses like they do other business or larger corporations such as Wal-Mart, Target, Sally’s, etc.

Black owned beauty supply stores need patience because we are working overtime to make sure all your beauty needs are being met right now. A lot of us are selling out of items and during these times it’s harder to restock on some things.

If I don’t have something at my store and can’t get it in a timely manner, I will gladly refer you to another Black-owned establishment that may have it. It’s all about support and patience right now, especially for me because I’m a fairly new business and learning as I go.

You might be interested in

How To Receive a $5000 Small Business Grant From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

1 min read
small business grant

Vistaprint announced April 14 it has founded the Save Small Business Fund in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, donating $1 million to help alleviate the financial losses owners are facing as a result of COVID-19 and help secure additional partner investors.

“Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as we can. We hope these supplemental funds will help you get through the next days and weeks,” according to the website.

This comes at a time when eight in ten U.S. small businesses report being negatively impacted by COVID-19, according to Vistaprint research.

The Save Small Business Fund application period begins noon Monday. Eligible businesses must employ from 3 to 20 workers, be located in an economically vulnerable community and show that COVID- 19 caused fiscal harm.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation allows those interested in applying for the grants to check their zip code to see if they’re in an eligible location. Click here to check yours.

A short application will go live today, April 20, 2020, at 12:00PM PT.

The application takes about 10 minutes, the foundation said. More details are available at www.savesmallbusiness.com for more information.

-Tony O. Lawson

You might be interested in

Tarot and Oracle Decks Created For and By Black People

14 mins read
black owned tarot

I don’t remember what prompted me to buy my first tarot deck but I’m pretty sure that I bought it from a New Age spiritual shop in Union Square about a decade ago. At the time, I could only find one tarot deck with imagery that spoke to the aesthetics and narratives of Black people and I’m pretty sure that it wasn’t created by someone Black. In the absence of an African-centered deck, I settled on Aleister Crowley’s Thoth deck because I found the symbolism and illustrations very intriguing. They were a fresh departure from the uber Eurocentric traditional decks such as Rider Waite. 

For years the Toth deck has been my go to…that was until I hosted a tarot party at my house in February for Lunar New Year and my friend pulled out the absolutely gorgeous and mystifying Dust II Onyx deck. It literally took my breath away. Created by Courtney Alexander,  the cards are not only luxe, they literally pull you into their ornate imagery and symbology that is a reflective of the ancient mysteries of Africa and its Diaspora. After using this deck, it reaffirmed the importance of not only connecting spiritually with Black iconography when working with tarot, but also the psychological energy that occurs when using a deck created by Black folk.

I had the privilege of meeting Courtney in person which made me love the deck, all the more. Not that I needed any additional reasons. Even after enrolling in a Master Tarot Course, I was hesitant to start offering readings. But soon after working with Dust II Onyx, I started offering my services to close family and friends who have all find my readings super on point. In the words of Ms. Cleo, call me now! (I kid…but I don’t).

While it’s hard for me to imagine another deck that would capture my heart like Dust II Onyx (and I promise this isn’t an ad…), I thought it would be useful to compile a list of all of the decks that I’ve come across that utilize African Diasporic imagery and were made by Black people. Like all things in life, representation does matter, even when getting readings, life advice and spiritual consultations.

And while there are several other decks that exist with Black imagery, they weren’t created by Black people. I own a few myself because what matters most is how you as a reader, connect with the cards. But the point of this post is to stress what better way to connect with cards than when the people in the cards look just like you. In the words of the late great Miss Cleo “the cards dem neva lie.”

Happy Reading! Pun definitely intended.

– Shantrelle P. Lewis

New Orleanian, Sango crowned Olorisa, Spiritualist, Conjurer, Re-tired Curator and Socio-cultural Entrepreneur. Follow me on IG at @beaucouphoodoo.

black owned tarot

Tazama African Tarot

Tazama African Tarot is a wonderfully crafted collage art that embodies African ancestry through historical images. Every card has a vintage image of a real ancestor in African history, from both the African continent as well the African diaspora in the America’s and the Caribbean. Including the empress of Haiti, Masai warriors, Dahomey kingdom royalty just to name a few. The collage art was made by a young female collage artist from Nairobi in Kenya.

Dust II Onyx

Black femme queer artist, Courtney Alexander, Dust II Onyx is a rich and magical deck that captivates its audience via highly ornate collages created by its maker. The imagery features a pan-African centered iconography that was thoroughly researched. The 78 card deck comes in two sizes – 3.5 x 5 inches and a Travel Edition that measures 2.75 x 4 inches. Black-owned.

black owned tarot

Hoodoo Tarot

This 78-card full color deck boasts of celebrating Rootworks both past and present. Deep diving into the archetypes and personality that have reigned and been deified in Hoodoo culture, the Hoodoo tarot is great for hoodooists, conjurers, root workers and practitioners of New Orleans rooted Voodoo. The deck was created by Tayannah Lee McQuillar who is also the author of Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success. 

The Afro Tarot
Afrofuturist artist Jessica Lofton aka Jessi Jumanji, uses several mediums and layered images that span the ages, to create a 78 card deck that interweaves Afro-surrealist imagery with the traditional meanings of the Rider Waite deck. It also comes with its own mini guide book and sturdy box for storage. Black-owned.

black owned tarot

AKAMARA Tarot Deck

Designed by Lolu, the “78 Card Tarot Deck venerating the various spiritual practices throughout the African Diaspora on rose-petal finish black cards with gold foil and silver ink.” Those who have reviewed it describe the luxe feel of the cards. It’s definitely at the top of my lists of decks to buy next.

Kaleidadope Tarot: A Dope Tarot
Influenced by the Twilight Zone, Krystal Banner’s Kaleidoscope deck, with its straightforward illustrations, was definitely created with 21st century imagery in mind. I’d go so far as to say that the deck would be appealing to many millennials for its minimalist nature and holographic edges. The official website also boasts that the cards are reiki-infused.

Shrine of the Black Medusa Tarot
Created by non-binary artist/writer Casey Rocheteau, The Shrine of the Black Medusa Tarot uses collage to “celebrate Black culture, queer magic, and hoodoo divination.” According to Rocheteau’s website, the deck is named for the legend of the African witch turned monster, Medusa, and celebrates “the pantheon of monsters within each of us, knowing that Medusa was more metaphor than monster and that Perseus was a buster.” Shrine of the Black Medusa follows the Thoth tradition. You can buy the deck here.

Afro Goddess Tarot Arcanas
This deck was created by a Black woman specifically for the use of Black women. The 79-card jumbo deck has illustrations of Afrocentric Black warrior goddesses. The first edition is sold out but you can pre-order the latest edition on Andrea Furtick’s site.

black owned tarot

 

ORACLE DECKS

UPDATED As of 7.16.20 – The TRUTH Decks

Created by twin sisters, the TRUTH Decks are two very pretty, colorful oracle decks that will help you gain insight and clarity into your everyday affairs. The 2nd Edition Truth Deck Oracle Cards articulates modern archetypal prompts such as: Ask for Help, Envious, Heal Money Issues, Repeating the Past and Soul Journey. The Reconciliation edition, is another colorful deck that packs lots of POP. Its suggested uses are love & relationship readings, questions about connecting with your higher self, understanding money blockages, healing messages for reconnecting with family members, and insight on repairing friendships. Both of these decks would be perfect for any millennial who isn’t committed to studying the science of tarot but could use a little spirit guide help to bring light to navigating the rough terrain that is life and most certainly 2020.

UPDATED As of 5.28.20 – The Black Gold Lenormand

A few weeks after I initially posted this article, someone sent me the link to Tea’s IG Account. I went to the page, of clearly fell in LOVE (so Gemini/Libra rising of me…I know) and of course backed the Kickstarter Campaign at the wholesale level because why buy one deck when you can buy five? It’s only the second Black-created Lenormand deck that I’ve come across. It’s US African-American centered, in terms of its folklore, archetypes, and iconography. Highly influenced by her elders and ancestors, the deck is an homage to Black American indigenous spiritual traditions. Conceived and created by Tea, the 36 card deck of beautifully designed black, white and gold cards comes with an 82-page saddle-stitched guidebook. There’s even an option to buy a deck and gift another. Given the fact that it costs about the same as some of these other decks on their own, why not pay it forward? After all, the Ancestors bless, those who look out for their kinfolk.

Adinkra Ancestral Guidance Cards

My best friend, who just so happens to be Akan by heritage, introduced me to this oracle deck. I loved the use of Twi words and Akan Adinkra symbols and their pronunciations. The 44 card deck is minimalist as color and design goes – the cards are white, gold and black.

OKANA  Oracle Deck

According to its creator Lolu, the Okana Oracle Deck is a “luxuriously printed 25 Card Oracle Deck on rose-petal finish black cards with gold foil. For use in working through our shadow selves and doing the work to make sure our true nature isn’t the catalyst for stagnation. Also used for re-establishing a path of communication between one and their ancestors, to answer the tough questions with the voice of a loving but honest elder.”

Flora and Fauna of Africa Deck

Created by Jessi Jumanji, I’ve never seen anything African-centered like the Flora and Fauna of Africa Deck. The 3.5×5 inch deck features over 100 different species of plant species and spirit animals. Each card delivers a message and affirmation. Example: The Okapi states “Embrace all aspects of you. Your uniqueness is your power. Let your spirit guide you.”

Goddess Oracle Deck

An Afrocentric modernized spin on the famed 1840 Marie Anne Lenormand deck, the Goddess Oracle Deck includes 37 cards, a 50-page guide book and a velvet protection bag. Although I personally use the traditional Lenormand deck when I want some very straightforward answers to dilemmas,  I’ll give this deck a try. And if you decide to pick it up – beware of the mice in your life.

Sibyls Oraculum: Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa

I just happened upon this deck. Created by the same sister who created the Hoodoo deck, Sibyls Oraculum: Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa enlightens its readers about the legendary Libyan Sibyls, African prophetesses of the classical world. Although she was Eurocentricized historically, Tayannah Lee McQuillar repositions her more accurately as the African prophetess who presided over the Zeus oracle temple in the Siwa Oasis. Here’s a slideshow I found detailing the hidden history of the Ancient African prophetesses in classical Europe.

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

You might be interested in

1 … 65 66 67 68 69 … 127