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
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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