Over the past couple of months, new campaigns and initiatives have popped up encouraging consumers to shop Black-owned businesses. First, there was Aurora James’ 15 Percent Pledge, which launched on June 1. Considering that Black people make up nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, James, the founder of footwear brand Brother Vellies, asked that brands pledge to devote 15 percent of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Sephora, Rent the Runway, and West Elm have opted in, and the pledge has inspired customers to redirect their dollars to Black-owned brands and shops.
Since then, Beyonce Knowles has also launched a directory of Black-owned businesses on her website and partnered with the NAACP to create the Black-Owned Small Business, Impact Fund. Jay Z has taken out full-page ads in newspapers across the country that highlight Black-owned businesses in their respective cities. And, closer to home, Melissa Butler, creator of Detroit-based beauty brand The Lip Bar, co-founded The Black Pact. Those who sign the Black Pact’s pledge commit to shopping for Black-owned businesses as often as possible. The website for the initiative also features a directory of Black-owned businesses.
In the spirit of these call-to-actions, we’re sharing 45 Black-owned businesses to shop in metro Detroit. From luxury clothing to sustainable beauty products and handcrafted arts to tasty tea blends, these local Black-owned brands and retailers are offering up unique goods and finely curated shopping experiences.
Of course, this is just a small snapshot of the Black-owned shops in metro Detroit. Please share more of your favorites with us in the comment section. And don’t forget to call ahead or check each shop’s website for updated hours and other COVID-19-related information.
Clothing & Accessories
K. Walker Collective
This lifestyle clothing company owned by Ken Walker offers clothing for men. K. Walker Collective, which held its inaugural New York Fashion Week showcase in February 2019, carries luxe tees, vibrant pullover hoodies, tracksuit sets, black velvet face masks, and hats and beanies marked with the brand’s “K” logo. The brand also sells stationery goods. K. Walker Collective, kwalker.co
Excerpt from our Web Exclusive Feature on HourDetroit.com
Written by Madi Rzepka and Emma Klug from Hour Detroit Magazine
Read more and shop the other incredible Black-owned businesses located in Metro Detroit at: