An epidemic in this country has captured everyone’s attention — and I am not referring to the coronavirus. Systemic racism is embedded in the fabric of society and has existed for centuries. To ignore this reality is to ignore the mistreatment experienced by people of racialized backgrounds, especially the black and Indigenous populations, as a result of the inherently racist construction of institutions and social structures — such as policing. It is time to dismantle and abolish systems as we know them to rebuild a sustainable and equitable structure that benefits us all.
In response to the unprecedented events of the last few weeks and the tragic death of George Floyd, there has been an uproar of activism and support for the Black Lives Matter Movement. People continue to take to the streets to protest against police brutality and use social media to raise awareness and share important resources. There are several ways to show your allyship in this movement such as signing petitions, donating, contacting government officials, staying educated, turning inward to confront unconscious racial biases, and supporting black-owned businesses.
Directing your dollar is an effective way to show support to the BLM movement. Supporting black-owned businesses can help steer money away from corporate giants such as Amazon who monopolize the market and overpower small businesses. In the fight to end systematic racism, this support can help to diversify wealth, uplift community members, build economic vitality and enact progress where it’s needed.
If you are looking for a black-owned business to support we have put together a list (by no means exhaustive) of restaurants, retail, beauty, health & wellness, goods, and experience-based shops in different neighbourhoods in the GTA. If you are looking for more resources on this subject please see the links posted at the bottom of this article.
Food & Restaurants
Downtown —
Rasta Pasta
Jamaican and fusion cuisine (takeaway only) in Kensington Market
Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles in Kensington Market
Ethiopian Spice Store
Source of organic spices
One Love Vegetarian
Vegetarian eatery in the Annex
873 Jam Rock Restaurant
Tradition Caribbean cuisine
Pat’s Homestyle
Jamaican RestaurantJamaican cuisine
West
African Palace
Ethiopian cuisine located at Dovercourt and Bloor
Aunty Lucy’s Burgers
Burgers on Queen St. W
T Dot Jerk
Jamaican cuisine on Roncesvalles
Selam Restaurant
Ethiopian restaurant on Bloor and Ossington
North Toronto
Vegwood
Vegan restaurant in Oakwwood Village
The Islands Caribbean
Caribbean cuisine on Yonge and Sheppard
Diner’s Corner
Jamaican cuisine
Mofer Coffee
Ethiopian small-batch coffee
Rap’s
Late-night jerk spot
East Toronto
Mary’s Brigadeiro
Handcrafted chocolate
Classic Juice Co.
Juice bar
Caribbean Dutch Pot
Family style Jamaican restaurant on Broadview
Real Jerk
One of Drake’s favourite spots(2 locations → 42 Gerrard East, 1004 Kingston)
Beauty
All-Star Beauty Complex
Hair & Skin products(Use “ALLSTAR” to get 15% off your first purchase )
West Indian Golden Beauty Supply
Cosmetics & beauty supplies
It’s About Beauty Supply
Beauty supplies
Ragga Beauty Store
Hair & beauty products
Global Beauty Supply Inc.
Beauty supplies
Tribal Eye
Skincare & art
Oshun’s Beauty
Beauty supplies
Retail & Shopping Experiences
pseudonym
Vintage clothing
Adrift
Skateboard/Clothing - online orders only
Studio D
Unique luxury shoes and accessories
Cherry Gardens
Loungewear
Clarendon Trading Co.
Etsy shop
Love & Nudes
Intimates in a range of skin-toned nudes
Broke & Living
Contemporary unisex apparel
Get Fresh Company
Streetwear & designer apparel
A Different Booklist
Independent, multicultural bookstore - curbside pick up only
Obsidian Theatre
Culturally specific theatre company dedicated to exploring and promoting the black voice
The Green Jar
Sustainable and reusable packaging
Camilla’s Yoruba Chest
Afrocentric accessories & goods
Health & Wellness
Riders Cycle & Board
Curbside service only
The Villij
Wellness space created by and for women of colour
The Most Nurtured
Community-based holistic wellness space created for and by women of colour (LGBT + non-binary, trans-inclusive, anti-oppressive, anti-colonial space)
More useful links:
Amplify Allyship Toolkit: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1eMktpQAwyHNgSnKDJYYVo8SQZFUV6DG9f7sIvw7frTs/mobilebasic
A full map of Black & Indigenous-owned businesses in the GTA: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1kPzokHxOM8iADltkQMwPs92RdjSy_3o-&ll=43.59160015925824%2C-79.24576889999999&z=8