It's Black History Month Everyday
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It’s Black History Month
Everyday!
Sending love to you and thank you for tuning in!
I know that it has been weeks since Black History Month - 2022 has ended, but why stop celebrating Black excellence? Why stop amplifying Black voices? Why stop shopping at Black businesses?
There is a tendency to only engage in diverse practice when a topic is trending. Diwali is here, let's engage the South Asian community. Pride Month is here, let’s engage the LGBTQ community. It’s Orange Shirt Day, let’s engage the Indigenous community. All the events I have mentioned (and more) are meant to recognize the challenges these communities have faced historically while continuously celebrating the strides many have taken within these communities to elevate themselves and the community at large.
Cultural recognition or celebration does not need to be limited to a month or a day of action.
I experience this most through my business when working with corporate clients. There is often a sudden rush to book Carnival Spice for events during emancipation month or Black history month to fit a “theme” per say - instead of realizing that the culture and community exists year round. It is okay to have cultural - based conversations or programs at anytime.
As a Black Caribbean woman navigating the arts and fitness industry, a large part of my personal mission is to consistently show up, take up space and ensure people that look like me are always visible - even if it goes against societal norms.
If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the Black History Month series I did highlighting Black Owned Businesses (& brands) based in the General Toronto Area that I enjoy.
For your convenience, you can find the full list (+more) and their contact information below. May you also shop, support or amplify them; not just because they are Black Owned, but because they are talented at what they do.
allDunamis
Chiropractic Wellness Centre
Their purpose is to educate the church and community at large on the prevention of disease and the maintenance of optimal health. They combine timeless Biblical principles with current research and offer practical relevant solutions.
https://alldunamis.com
Testimonial: “The team at allDunamis facilitated my 60 day plant based journey in 2021. They provided a full meal plan, training facilities and fitness professionals that truly cared. I felt so supported and was able to make great changes to my overall wellness practices. Changes that were based on the specific needs of my body”. - Shakera
Alluring Interior
Certified Interior Decorator, Home Stager/Stylist & Staging Instructor
https://www.instagram.com/alluring.interiors
Bona Fide Organizing
BIPOC Pro Organizer
https://bonafideorganizing.com
https://www.instagram.com/bonafideorganizing
Brickyard BBQ & Bar
BBQ Restaurant with drive-thru in Etobicoke.
https://www.brickyardbbq.ca
https://www.instagram.com/brickyardbbq_bar
Carnival Spice
Caribbean Dance Fitness and Entertainment
https://www.carnivalspice.com
https://www.instagram.com/carnivalspice
Caryn Parchment
Toronto Realtor
https://www.instagram.com/athomeinthegtarealty
Daniel's Chai Bar
Home of The FAMOUS #LionChai
Located In Bramalea City Center
https://danielschaibar.com
Dessillustrations
Illustrator
https://www.instagram.com/dessillustrations
Fame Holiday
Hip Hop/Rap Musician
https://www.instagram.com/officialfameholiday
Joseph Osei Bonsu
Illustrator & Co-Founder of Heroes of the World
https://www.joeoseibonsu.com
https://www.instagram.com/heroesoftheworld
Koko Rose Skincare
Spa & Professional skin care products with the finest natural ingredients
https://www.kokoroseskin.com
Kofi Frempong
Artist
https://kofifrempong.com
Leigh Event Group
Event Design & Planning | Social Media Management
https://www.leigheventgroup.com
Michelle Nicholls Counselling
Mental Health Service
https://www.michellenichollscounselling.com
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.nicholls.counselling
Mintworthy
Changing the way women relate to money and empowering them to step into a life of financial freedom.
https://www.mintworthy.co
NISE
Toronto-based premium streetwear brand made for all ages, genders and sizes.
https://www.niseworld.com
https://www.instagram.com/niseclothing
Noire Girls Plant
A space supporting your mental health through plants
https://www.noiregirlsplant.com
Omi Woods
Contemporary heirlooms that celebrate all of our connections to Africa and her diaspora.
https://omiwoods.com
Orijin Jewelry
small batch, quality investment pieces
https://www.orijingold.com
https://www.instagram.com/orijin_jewelry
Percy Anane-Dwumfour
Actor, Choreography, Dancer
https://www.plantainpercy.com
https://www.instagram.com/plantainpercy
Phnx Fithouse
An inclusive fitness space where purpose and passion come together.
https://www.instagram.com/phnxfithouse
https://www.phnxfithouse.com
Rebeckah Price
Wellness Advocate and Founder of iriseyoga
https://www.instagram.com/rebeckahprice
https://www.iriseyoga.com
Sam’s Juices
Fresh-made tropical juices and smoothies (located in Scarborough Town Center)
https://www.instagram.com/samsjuices
Sarah-Naomi’s Hair Care & Beauty
Hairstylist & Beauty Supply
https://www.instagram.com/sarahnaomihcb
Siobhan Bent
Legacy Coach & Founder of Mortgages 4 Moms
Empowering Moms with educational wealth building strategies and opportunities that can help build a legacy for their children.
https://www.siobhanbent.com
The Real Jerk Restaurant
Unique art adorns this long-standing Caribbean-themed bar & eatery boasting a rum bar & karaoke.
https://www.therealjerk.com
The Wedding Group
Professional Wedding Team servicing the World through Photography, Cinematography & more
https://www.theweddingroup.com
https://www.instagram.com/theweddingroup
Tray Arts
Artist and Paint Night King
https://www.instagram.com/trayarts
https://trayarts.ca
Memorable Moment: I highly recommend Tray to lead a paint night at an upcoming celebration or gathering you have coming up. He is mobile and also had a studio in North York. I had the pleasure of celebrating the launch of simplyshakera.com at the Tray Arts Studio. It was such an unforgettable night! Read my blog post recapping the festivities: The #SSPinkParty
Xaymaca Restaurant
Jamaican & Caribbean Food In Brampton
High-end service with real authentic Food.
https://xaymacarestaurant.com
When You See It, You Can Be It!
Know them - Support them - Amplify them!
