The death of George Floyd while in police custody has led to nationwide protests and started a conversation on how we can support each other and listen to one another. If you can’t attend any of the upcoming Jersey City rallies, there are other ways you can help or show solidarity with the protestors.
One of the easiest ways is by supporting black-owned businesses. To be clear: This isn’t something you do for a few days, but rather a commitment to truly get to know the small businesses that make Jersey City the unique city it is.
This is a preliminary list and we’ll need your help in identifying more black-owned businesses. So we ask that you leave a comment or DM us on Instagram with any businesses you’d like to see us add to the list.
Black-owned businesses in Jersey City
Suite Tee Wax Studio (172 Newark Avenue): Tee Hudley is a celebrity manicurist and wax technician based here in downtown Jersey City. Although the studio is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can still make certain bookings/reservations for when the studio reopens. (Website)
Griot Cafe (398 Central Avenue): “One of Griot Cafe’s main goals is to create a community space where relationships between family or friends can be strengthened, renewed, or formed,” reads Griot Cafe’s Facebook page. “These relationships become part of our life long commitment to each other!” The cafe, influenced by Haitian, South African, Kenyan, and Senegalese cuisines, has made it to Yelp’s Top 50 in North Jersey list for two consecutive years. They’re in the process of moving into a bigger space at 398 Central Avenue. (Facebook)
Freetown Road Project (640 Newark Avenue): A Food Network “Chopped” champion, a Jersey City native, and the son of Antiguan immigrants — chef Claude Lewis bring West Indian flavors straight to Jersey City at his new restaurant, Freetown Road Project. (Website)
Light Rail Cafe (237 Randolph Avenue): Light Rail Cafe’s 9-year anniversary is this coming Sunday, June 7. In its 9-year history the restaurant has supported local artists, hosted jazz nights, and most recently fed our frontline workers. (Website)
Four Fitness Jersey City (667 Montgomery): Yes, gyms are still closed, but Marcisco Morrison — owner and operator of Four Fitness Jersey City — is offering virtual fitness classes that promise to melt that COVID-19 you might have gained during the lockdown. (Website)
The Grind (360 Communipaw Avenue): You can’t call yourself a coffee aficionado until you’ve visited The Grind. The Bergen-Lafayette staple offers immaculate lattes, vegan donuts, excellent coffee, and not to mention a killer vegan coquito (holidays only). The cafe is in the process of expanding as it opens The Grind General Store. (Website)
Jersey City Pediatric Dentistry (139 Newark Avenue): The coronavirus lockdown has kept JCPD closed, but Dr. Wilma McPherson’s practice is the place to go for all of your pediatric dentistry needs. The all-female staff hold degrees from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine to Montclair State University. (Website)
Harry’s Daughter (339 Communipaw Avenue): You can’t get any cooler than Harry’s Daughter. From the restaurant’s tropical decor to its Caribbean-inspired food, this Jersey City staple is a must-visit any day of the year. They’re currently open for pickup and delivery. (Website)
DeCarlos Bespoke Suits & Menswear (150 Bay): Raised in Virginia and trained at Alfred Dunhill of London, DeCarlos Morse is a fashion icon. His shop offers besoke menswear complete with personal styling appointments. The DeCarlos shop is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but you can purchase read-to-wear dress shirts online or donate to the DeCarlos Bespoke relief fund via GoFundMe. (Website)
Places to Donate
- George Floyd Memorial Fund: The official GoFundMe for the Floyd family.
- Minnesota Freedom Fund: Bails out protesters arrested in the demonstrations.
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fighting for racial justice.
- Nationwide bail fund: Split a donation between 70+ community bail funds.
“If we want to bring about real change, then the choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both. We have to mobilize to raise awareness, and we have to organize and cast our ballots to make sure that we elect candidates who will act on reform.” —Barack Obama
How could you miss the Grind – best coffee in JC.
The Grind (and the new Grind General Store) are both in there. They’re right after Four Fitness.
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