I am embarrassed to admit I only recently understood it’s not enough to know you’re not a racist, you actively have to do anti-racist things to be an ally. Protesting, reading and reeducating, donating, listening to Black voices, voting – these are all social justice activities we must incorporate into our daily lives. But today, I want to focus on community support; specifically, celebrating Black-owned businesses in our home state of Connecticut.

Whether content or products, consumption is a big part of our collective culture – the economy banks on it. And because this need to buy things is so deeply ingrained, we often form habits around the practice. Does anyone else get a Pavlovian twinge when they instinctually open Amazon? 

For me, things came to a head when I decided to order some books for my anti-racist journey. Was I really going to throw my hard-earned coins at Jeff Bezos – a white billionaire notorious for overworking his warehouse staff – or could I stand to spend five minutes researching alternative options? A little light Googling revealed The Key, an interactive online bookstore “curated [on] the pillars Afrocentricity, Spirituality, Environmentalism, and Entrepreneurship” right here in Hartford. The Key had all the books I sought at an affordable price point, and even better, their bright, engaging website included awesome resources like this White Ally Book List! Reader, it was a no brainer. 

Since then, I’ve tried to prioritize Black-owned businesses whenever possible. And I mean this with respect to buying stuff, yes, but also by supporting these businesses on social media. It’s a free and easy thing to do, but you’d be surprised how much your likes, comments, and shares mean to a small business. 

If you live in (or visit) Connecticut and are looking to support Black-owned businesses in your community, please visit www.shopblackct.com or follow @shopblackct on Instagram. Here are six of my favs to support IRL and on social media. 

breakfast x lunch x dinner

Listen, any brand evoking mealtime is an automatic yes for me, but breakfast x lunch x dinner really is in the business of feeding souls. A self-described “community venture building studio based in Hartford,” BL&D produces everything from community events like First Night — an alcohol-free, family-friendly New Years celebration — and the Know Good Market (by far my favorite food/beverage/vibes experience in CT), to demuerte, a conceptual garment label that “reflects an exploration of American identifies and social presumptions of era, ethnicity and maturity.” If that wasn’t enough, BL&D is also a part of reSET, a Hartford non-profit that aims “to advance the social enterprise sector.”

Learn more about the many exciting projects cooking over at breakfast x lunch x dinner on their website or by following @knowgoodmarket on Instagram. 

Brothers Johnson 1929 Hat Co. 

Did you know there’s a high-end haberdashery in Hartford? Brothers Johnson 1929 Hat Co. specializes in deluxe hats for “the progressive character and class of individuals who wear many hats in life and live lives of distinction.” And Brothers Johnson 1929 does indeed have a timeless, well-crafted hat for every style, season, or persuasion. Try an amber wool fedora for fall, or a brown fur ushanka for those unforgiving Connecticut winters. What about a floral fascinator for spring? You know you need a paper straw pork pie for next summer...

Shop Brothers Johnson hats online or during scheduled pop-ups. For the latest styles, sales, and appearances, follow Brothers Johnson 1929 on Facebook and Instagram.

Camiller Creations

As a self-professed candle connoisseur, I’m here to tell you Meriden’s Camiller Creations satisfy all my candle criteria. First and foremost, the scents are what you want in a candle: distinct but not overpowering. As one reviewer so aptly put it, “it doesn't give off that ‘burning’ smell like other candles. You can actually smell the fragrance in your home.” Second, the candles are made of non-toxic, natural soy and braided cotton wicks for a safe, eco-friendly burn. Third, they’re affordable ($12 for a 9 oz candle) and long-lasting (over 45 hours of burn time). Extra points for the descriptive, often hilarious names. I ordered Seakissed Orchid and Ghosted, but other highlights include Tall, Dark & Handsome, Tinder Love, and best-seller Monkey Farts. For an even deeper Camiller Creations experience, be sure to try the wax melts –– free samples included in every order!

Follow Camiller Creations on Instagram and Facebook for new releases and exclusive deals. 

Freddy Foxx’s BBCUE Sauce 

“It’s love in your mouth!” promises Freddy Foxx. I ordered the original and smoked BBQ sauce and am here to confirm that Freddy is a fox of his word. Freddy’s signature blend of tomato, molasses, brown sugar, and worcestershire harmoniously blend into a sweet, tangy barbecue sauce perfect for ribs, wings, shrimp, or whatever else you like to grill. Looking for that extra smoky flavor? Freddy’s Smoked BBCUE Sauce adds a perfect hit of apple and cherry wood. 

Visit www.loveinyourmouth.com to score some of these succulent sauces today!

NaBii Organics

Natasha Harris founded NaBii Organics (Hartford, CT) to offer a cleaner, greener, more natural alternative to the beauty industry. “Not only do we use natural, organic products to put on the skin,” Natasha says, “but we aim to be eco-conscious by using recycled/recyclable and biodegradable materials in our packaging.” NaBii offers a wide range of organic body, bath, hair, face, and wellness products, each packed with nutrient rich ingredients and smelling like a dream. The Blue Musk Whipped Body Butter has become a nightstand staple of mine, perfect for sanitizer worn hands or coercive back massages. And don’t get me started on the soaps — Wild Pear smells so good I have to fight the urge to eat it. 

What could top luxurious, natural products in eco-friendly packaging at an affordable price point? Exemplary customer service and an engaged, informative digital presence. On Instagram and the NaBii blog, Natasha shares insights and resources to deepen her followers' individual understanding of health, beauty, and naturally derived products. Come for the delicious soaps, stay for intelligent, actionable information. Stan NaBii today! 

Sassy Black Yarns

I do not know how to knit, but Hartford’s Sassy Black Yarns makes me want to learn. The colors range from rich neutrals like Ancient Maroon and Tarantula to vibrant gradients like Saturday Night Fever and Sleepy Hollow, each “dyed by hand in our one-of-a-kind colorways.” The base yarns come in four weights: fingering, worsted, DK, and sport. Again, this means nothing to me, but the yarns look legit!

Follow Sassy Black Yarns on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more. 

These recommendations are really just the tip of the iceberg, so if you’re interested in discovering more Black-owned businesses in Connecticut, I strongly encourage you to do your own local research or check out the resources at Shop Black CT. 

And please, share your favorite Black-owned businesses in the comments!