By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Black History Month serves us all as a month of reflection, education, and recognition by honoring the achievements, struggles, and contributions of Black people throughout history. Originating in the United States as “Negro History Week” in 1926, Black History Month has become an opportunity to celebrate the stories and accomplishments of Black Americans. The importance of Black History Month extends beyond simply recognizing well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, or Malcolm X. It is a time to explore how Black culture has shaped arts, literature, music, science, politics, and, special to our small-business-loving hearts, commerce!
Supporting our district’s Black businesses is an awesome way to celebrate and champion Black stories, voices and of course immeasurable contributions to our community. Here are just a few to keep in mind, the next time you visit Uptown:
Apsara Spa: Apsara Spa is a luxurious, black- and female-owned day spa located in the Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Founder Femé Naigow has curated a space that’s safe, inclusive, elevated and completely designed around relaxation — however you identify. The spa offers a flush portfolio of services ranging from facials and skincare, to massage, mani/pedi, brows, waxing, and so much more. For more insight, check out this fun discussion we captured with Femé in 2023.
Chez Olga: Hot take (and we do mean 🔥hot🔥). Chez Olga is some of the most delicious and authentic Caribbean fare you’ll find stateside – and the space it’s served up in is really incredible too! The business was founded in 2010. Owner Olga Benoit honors her heritage by serving cherished family recipes with both Haitian and Creole influences. A visit to her welcoming restaurant, located in our famous McKendrick building, will leave you feeling warm and cozy in all the ways.
Lady Love: While we’re proud to say there’s always something new popping up in Uptown, it is equally brag-worthy that some of our city’s longest running businesses also call our district home. Lady Love Barber Shop has been a staple of our community for FIFTY years. Per this recent article by WoodTV 8, owner James Price began cutting hair at the age of 10! The Shop specializes in men’s cuts for all, and each service comes with a side of great conversation and stories of the neighborhood too.
Basic Bee Boutique: As the website says, this darling boutique is anything but basic. Founder Renise Warner began the brand in 2020 with a goal of empowering women to express their unique style and to feel confident in their own skin. Here’s where to head for well-made and unique apparel and accessories that are anything but what you’ll find in your average mall.
Ambrosia Theatre: Team Uptown recently paid a visit to this “underground” theatre; quotations because while the venue focuses on supporting and featuring up-and-comers in the comedy and entertainment scenes, the space itself is located in a cozy and intimate second-floor loft space! Co-owners James and Carl operate this cool venue with the intention of showcasing and uplifting hyper-local and regional comedy acts, but the space is also available for use for all creative endeavors. From aerial yoga to belly dancing, poetry readings to local music, Ambrosia is one of Uptown’s best kept secrets for late night entertainment.
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen and Cognac Bar: A fun and inclusive restaurant offering authentic, upscale soul food and including bar service. The concept is incredibly delicious yes, but thoughtful as well. Forty Acres uses intention to celebrate, through comforting food and atmosphere, its authentically American heritage and the history, resilience and success of the African American community. Their website offers an inspiring brand statement that is a must read. PS, Wednesday nights are for R&B Karaoke… and we dare you not to end up singing along by the night’s end!
Little Africa Ethiopian Cuisine: This cozy and humble Ethiopian café is located in our East Fulton district and is another that has been with us for decades. Much of the fare is vegan (though not all)…and every offering is rich with flavor, spice, and texture. Sip a cup of their famous fragrant warming tea, tear into the tender injera and platters, and stay awhile. Little Africa is the perfect place for sharing good food with good friends.
By remembering that Black history is all around us, always, you can easily discover new ways in which to celebrate how rich with color and intrigue our district is! From our Black businesses (the above list is by no means comprehensive) to public art installations, start-ups, vendor markets, growers and makers that participate in our Fulton Street Farmer’s Market, and so much more – all contributed by our local community of color – we are grateful and proud of the resulting experiences that you, our visitors, can expect to enjoy and support, when in Uptown.
The title page image is courtesy Devarron Thomas – Comedian (second from Left) as well as Photographer. Thank you for your generosity Devarron!