Supporting Black-owned businesses in California is being highlighted as a way to promote racial equality, especially for travelers seeking to make a positive impact. Earl Cooper II, President of the Black Business Association of L.A., emphasized the importance of this support: “In terms of getting to a place where things are just and equal, it’s important that we support Black-owned businesses financially—not with just lip service, but with serious financial support.”
Over recent years, several California destinations and media outlets have compiled resources and lists featuring Black-owned shops and restaurants. These include dedicated websites for Los Angeles businesses as well as curated guides from publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Eater, San Francisco Travel, and SF Eater. Similar resources exist in other regions like San Diego, Orange County, Fresno, and Sacramento.
Among Northern California’s featured businesses is African American Expressions in Sacramento—the largest Black-owned gift and greeting card company globally—offering culturally authentic products. Oakland’s Marcus Books stands out as the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the United States; it has become both an educational resource on race issues and a community forum. The McBride Sisters Collection in Oakland is now the world’s largest African American–owned wine company with offerings shipped nationwide.
San Francisco hosts Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream in the Fillmore District—a business run by Thomas Bennett and his daughter Teresa for three decades—and Fingersnaps Media Arts led by DJ Lamont providing DJ education workshops. Other notable mentions include Gumbo Social in San Francisco’s Mission District for soul food with modern touches; Laurel Burch Studios in Berkeley selling colorful art-inspired wares; and Outdoor Afro from Oakland which promotes outdoor activities within Black communities across more than 60 cities.
Central California highlights include Alavina Skin Care in Arroyo Grande offering organic skin care products; Dr. Jacques Charles Aesthetics, Health & Wellness Institute in Santa Barbara providing wellness services; Hush-Harbor Artisan Bakery & Café in Atascadero known for artisan breads paired with jazz music; and Smobbin 559 showcasing artist James Graham’s murals and mixed media work.
In Southern California, Octavia’s Bookshelf serves Pasadena with literature from Black authors while also hosting community events. Obet & Del’s Coffee blends cultures as a Black- and Filipino-owned shop participating in initiatives like dedicating shelf space to Black-owned brands. The Charles Wine Company distributes wines under several labels from its Los Angeles base.
Other Southern businesses include Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen operated by Adolf Dulan who brings decades of experience to his culinary ventures; Jendayi Collection offering custom jewelry designs inspired by global cultures; Rock City Climbing serving Anaheim climbers of all skill levels; Stuzo Clothing catering to gender-free fashion preferences favored by celebrities; and Chula Vista Brewery standing out as San Diego County’s only Black-owned brewery focused on craft beer innovation.
These efforts reflect ongoing attempts across California to foster inclusivity through economic support of diverse local enterprises.
