“We are creating movements that will not be ignored.” That’s what Devita Davison, FoodLab Detroit Executive Director, said in a recent episode of the Communal Table podcast. I was wondering what I would write about after the murder of George Floyd, the ensuing protests, and the heaviness, sadness and anger I have felt yet again. And then I heard Devita’s words: “will not be ignored.” While it does seem as if the country is enraged right now, what comes after the protests have quieted down? I have nothing profound, or new or different to say than what’s been said already, but I wanted to share one way in which you can extend this moment in time: by supporting black-owned businesses and organizations, and black creators and makers on an ongoing basis.

First, if you haven’t found a way to support the protests against police brutality, then check out this story in Dwell, which lists many ways you can donate or contribute. If you have time this week or next or … whenever…check out this #8cantwait campaign and take some action. There is so much to do, but those are just two suggestions of where to begin. And now onto supporting black-owned businesses.

To find and learn more about black-owned businesses, you can check out directories Support Black Owned and Official Black Wall Street.

Essence magazine beauty editor Shalwah Evans talks about what buying from black-owned businesses means to her.

Bon Appetit has a list of black-owned restaurants to support in cities across the country.

If you’re a fan of the YouTube show “Hot Ones” like we are, then you might appreciate this list by host Sean Evans of black-owned hot sauce companies.

People magazine has a list of food, fashion, home and beauty black-owned businesses here.

The Strategist also has an expansive list, which includes black-owned fitness businesses, gift shops and bookstores, here.

Cosmpolitan magazine has a list of 125 black-owned beauty brands. The editor who wrote this piece, Julee Wilson, also has been saving to her Instagram Stories Highlights black-owned businesses to support.

Supporting black-owned is about more than just shopping. You can listen to that aforementioned Communal Table podcast episode here and hear Devita Davison talk about food apartheid, farming, and the power of grassroots movements. Also, if you’d like to diversify your social media feed, podcast list, and blogs you read, start by checking out a few of the designers I have interviewed in the Designer Spotlight series.

This is all a super short, abbreviated list of ways you can support black-owned businesses, and black creators and makes, but it’s a start. Please, just start.