For centuries, African workers have been exploited in the name of business. In fact, articles have shown that the wealth of the west was built upon the exploration of Africa's goods and workers, and with that experts have estimated Britain's debt to Africans in the continent and diaspora to be in the trillions of pounds. Without Africa and its Caribbean plantation extensions, the modern world as we know it would not exist, and that is fact. Not only this, but this disgusting exploitation still takes place today, with African workers being shot by their Chinese boss in demands for higher wages in Zimbabwe only this month. On Tuesday the Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association (ZELA) highlighted this abuse: “The problem of ill-treatment of workers is systematic and widespread and what that (shooting) incident did was to expose the rampant abuse of workers", before describing how workers are often shot if they try to exercise their worker's rights by their Chinese 'superiors'. In addition to these horrors, the truth of modern fashion is that many trends popularised today, ,especially within the media and especially involving urban fashion, have been the product of black minds. Despite that, black creators often get no credit for their creative processes, with racist CEOS reaping the benefits instead. With that in mind, here is a compiled list of black-owned businesses to shop from to give black workers and creators what they are due as workers and business people and to promote buying from the right places.
Bespoke Binny
Her gorgeous range of colourful pillows, bedding, kitchenware, travel accessories and more, are inspired by her own Ghanaian household growing up, and her love of sewing motivated her to create this business.
Bespoke Binny is the perfect way to show appreciation to the unique beauty of West African culture, by supporting an authentic business owned by a black woman, instead of providing for massive exploitative companies, profiting off a culture they know nothing and don’t care about.
Freya Bramble Carter
Carter is a ceramics artist, her stunning pieces all inspired by nature, a poetic way to keep the clay material still connected to its natural environment, whilst it elevates your living room, kitchen, or hall. Carter will personally create the work you desire whilst in conversation with you, and you can then purchase an utterly unique and bespoke piece.
Carter has collaborated with the Tate, amongst other artistic organisations and conventions, so to have a piece by her in your house is like living in an art exhibit.
Dorcas Creates
Dorcas is an illustrator, artist, product designer and CEO of her own company, dedicated to creating prints, totes, cards, earrings, notebooks and more that celebrate black women - a practise that is shockingly unique, with very little representation of black women in her artistic style.
Her vibrant designs are inspired by her Nigerian heritage and the perfect gift to a friend or to yourself.
Kazvare Made It
Kazvare creates beautiful collections of gifts and cards featuring hip hop icons like Tupac, Biggie, Drake, Kanye, Nicki, and more.
Frankly the pictures speak for themselves. Their style and designs are addicting and hugely popular.
New Beacon Books
Founded in 1966 by partners John La Rose and Sarah White, New Beacon was the UK’s first black publisher, specialist bookshop, and international book distributor. The first ever. For over 50 years it has provided a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books from Africa, the Carribean, the USA, South America, Asia, Europe, and Britain.
The London bookshop has also been in the centre ground of ‘many ground-breaking political
and social projects, organisations and campaigns’: the George Padmore and Albertina Sylvester Supplementary Schools, Caribbean Artists Movement (1966-1972), CECWA campaign against putting black children in ESN schools, International Book Fair of Radial Black and Third World Books (1982-1995), the Black Parents Movement (1975- 1990s), the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners in Kenya (1980s), amongst others.
This bookshop - at 76 Stroud Green Road, London N4 3EN - is a must-visit, essential part of British history.
Pelicans & Parrots
Pelicans & Parrots is a much celebrated and appreciated London vintage shop, a life-style shop selling contemporary furniture, curated houseware and gifts. They specialise in Italian vintage clothing, from beautiful silk shirts to 90s Moschino dresses, and have been described by Italian Vogue as ‘the coolest place in London’.
Find them at 40 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 7XJ or visit their website for more details.
Prick
Prick is London’s very first boutique shop dedicated to the sourcing and supply of an exotic range of cacti and succulents from across Britain and Europe. Prick sees their plants as intricate, natural, living structures that take years to fully develop. Prick’s founder Gynelle Leon explains her love for plants: “They are a beautiful and sustainable way to transform any interior. Due to their low maintenance and hardy nature, they’re well suited to city living.”
They also supply their own range of terracotta pots, and select pots created by local artists, as well as books and guides on how to care for and grow your plants.
Chilli Chop Co
An African-inspired sauce range that is blowing up for its delicious recipes.
Honestly, there’s not much more I can say. You just need to experience it.
Dark Sugars
An indulgent chocolatier, famous across London, flavours and quality inspired from the founder (Nyanga)’s Ghanaian upbringing, and extensive travels and study of cacao in South America and West Africa. They have such a wide range of equally celebrated, handmade chocolates and truffles, so much so it seems every creation is a customer favourite.
Chocolates of any kind still currently available online to order, or go down to Brick Lane when you can and get one of Dark Sugar’s hot chocolates. No photo does it justice.
Uncle John’s Bakery
The UK’s No.1 Ghanaian bakery is based in Tottenham, celebrating 25 years of family run business this year, founded in 1995 by John and Emilia Mensah. They are the first in the Uk to create their signature ‘sweet bread’ and are the first African British bakery to receive a SALSA accreditation.
They have been celebrated by several prestigious institutions like 10 Downing Street, British Baker, Time Out and GUBA. The company slogan ‘Obeyeyie’ meaning “Life will get better” in Fanti, reflects the tremendous struggle and hard work behind becoming one of the UK’s most famous and appreciated bakeries.
Alero Jasmine
Alero Jasmine is the middle name of the founder of this reworked traditional West African clothing brand: ‘Alero’ is the name given to first born daughters of Itsekiri families, meaning the foundation to blossom has been set, and ‘Jasmine’ is the befitting floral suffix.
The founder shows her unique appreciation for her Nigerian heritage through the styles she chooses for her clothing: beautiful, intricate, vibrant patterns that elevate her culture and sell out every time with her customers.
Elsie and Fred
A vibrant, youthful fashion brand named after the creators’ grandparents that puts the cheap attempt of Dolls Kill and Urban Outfitters to shame.
Although, the absence of POC and dark skinned models is immediately notable, and quite disturbing.
Nubian Skin
One of the most important brands on this thread must be Nubian Skin: a lingerie company created to fill the gaping void in the market of nude underwear for black and brown women. Their gorgeous minimalist designs ensure women of every colour can feel comfortable in their clothes, and importantly, feel acknowledged and catered to.
As underwear is such a personal and intimate item, Nubian Skin’s recognition that one colour cannot fit all, is hugely important for black men and women.
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