By: Maggie Laubscher
It’s Juneteenth! We are spending it buying, sharing and advocating in support of Black-owned businesses. Coined ‘New Black Friday,’ the initiative is meant to lift up and spread awareness for Black-owned businesses. Check out their Instagram account for more details and scroll down for some local shops to support.
As a reminder, Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating slavery’s end. June 19, 1865 to be exact. It marks the day that news of the Civil War’s end - and therefore freedom’s beginning - reached the last group of enslaved Americans. It’s a holiday and celebration, but also a sober reminder that our country’s economy was built on the backs of enslaved Americans. For more info, go here. We also found @eisellety’s Instagram account really insightful.
New Black Friday - Let’s Shop Local, Nellies…
Our Gathering
Owner Nicole J. cooks and bakes alllll the best things, right in KC. She caters and takes custom orders, as well as sells fresh goods via her Instagram. We just ordered her Kentucky butter cake for Father’s Day and cannot wait to dig in. Follow her @ourgathering and be ready to legit fall in love.
Tirza Design
We want every jewelry piece from Tirza Design. The pieces are handmade in KC and feature quality gold and fair trade suppliers. What’s more, a percentage of each sale supports women who have been victims of abuse.
Bliss Books & Wine
This charming local bookstore is currently available online, while they scout storefront locations. Bliss Books & Wine offers solid book recommendations and a stellar online shop. They also have writing workshops, events and eventually will sell wine. Check out Bliss’s Juneteenth reading list, too!
Ruby Jean’s Juicery
Ruby Jean’s Juicery is a perfect go-to for fresh-pressed juices and healthy food in KC. It was created “with a passion for health and longevity of life in mind,” a mantra we fully support.
Coco Shea
This organic skincare line is plant-based and handmade in KC. Coco Shea has a rosemary and lavender shampoo bar we are eyeing and a luna face oil that rivals Herbivore. Their beard care kit would also be perfect for Father’s Day.