February is Black History Month, and I think too often we find ourselves limiting this and all it stands for to this one single month. It is meant to be a celebration of Black achievements of today and throughout history. It is meant for us to come to terms with today’s world and support anti-racist action through education, amplification, and advocacy. Paying special awareness to Black and African American history and contributions isn’t something one should just put a time constraint on- it is too important and expansive for that.
As a chapter of Her Campus at Wichita, we set our sights on continuing to learn, listen and grow, not just during this month, but beyond. In addition to this, we look forward to supporting Black-owned businesses. Let’s remember that really supporting Black-owned businesses should be an ongoing action instead of just a trend during designated times of the year. What are some of the best ways to really support businesses? Check out these businesses yourself! Learn more about them; add them to your list of places to try and go to; consider donating your time, efforts, money, whatever you are comfortable in support of their business. Tell people about them! It’s as simple as that, you can support Black-owned businesses by sharing about them and your experience. This can be from word-of-mouth or sharing about them online or on your social media.
In the mood for food?
B.C.’s Kitchen Berneal’s Carryout Brint’s Diner Burger Central Crested Crane Cafe
Crig’s To-Go Countryboy Taste Fish and More Geno’s Bar-B-Q Giorgio’s II BBQ
Just Like Mama’s Kitchen Just Simply Shonda Korine’s Soul Food LE J’s Bar B Q
Mil’s On Wheels Food Truck P&P Pizza Pam’s Wings With Things
Sorrel’s Jamaican Food Southeast Carryout Sport Burger Tad’s Carryout
The Artichoke Sandwichbar This Is It: Soul & Southern
U-Hungry Truck Willie’s Food Truck Yummy’s Carry Out
Drinks and more:
Bongo Fruit Smoothies Jenny Dawn Cellars
Simply Sangria Wine Sunflower Nutrition
Got a sweet tooth?
DD’s Cheesecakes Magnolia Sweet Shoppe Wichita Cheesecake Company
Looking for a caterer?
Jodee B’s Catering MJ’s Catering And More
Other local Black-owned businesses:
Ad.hair.a Benitez Counseling Blaque Pearl Salon Big Walk Apparel
Blu’s Beauty Bar Bridge + Grace Management Consulting College Hill Pediatric Dentist
Dead Center Vintage Decide To Move – Coaching and Consulting Services
Films From Within Iconic Photography It’s On Clothing Streetwear JBYS Creations
J Eliz. Designs J Cousin Photography Keshia Ezerendu Photography
Like No Other 316 Pretty Tress Beauty Supply and Boutique ProTech
Spicy J’s Seasoning The House Of Rock Vibe Wichita Podcast
Here at Her Campus at Wichita, we look forward to supporting Black-owned businesses. Because when you support black-owned businesses, you further the efforts to bridge the egregious racial wealth gap that persists within our nation today. Just how bad is this gap, you may ask? According to studies done by the Economic Policy Institute on median and average wealth by race, we can see the significant differences between Black and white businesses and families– with the average wealth for white families being seven times higher than that for Black families, and the median wealth of white families twelve times higher than that of Black families. This gap plays a role in how Black entrepreneurs can finance their own businesses, it affects accessibility to capital and cash flow, this difference even exists in applying for credit. When you support Black businesses, you help change the narrative of this economic cycle of Black business owners encountering serious financial hurdles and significant setbacks that otherwise aren’t experienced by white business owners.