By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist

 

It is our aim that the observation of Black history and accomplishment in Uptown Grand Rapids will never be simply an annual calendar acknowledgment, but rather a natural extension of who we are and what we work toward every day as an organization and as a business and residential community. However, the annual tradition of Black History Month does offer an important opportunity in our hectic world to pause…and to reflect on how strongly our Black businesses and area leaders contribute to helping us to build a district that is rooted in honor, tenacity, strength, and vibrancy.

 

 

As an organization, Uptown GR, Inc. is committed to building a district that thrives, invites, moves, and organizes. For us, celebrating Black history within our corridors includes spotlighting entrepreneurs, artists, muralists, neighbors, and changemakers whose impact strengthens the cultural and economic vitality of Uptown Grand Rapids. When we intentionally recognize and amplify those voices, we’re living our mission out in real time, and reinforcing our commitment to build an inclusive, welcoming district where everyone’s story adds to the richness of the whole.

 

 

It is in that spirit that we’ll spend a little time introducing you (or likely reintroducing you!) to just some of the businesses, establishments, and creators that are Black-owned or -led right here at home.

 

 

Let’s Eat!

 

Chez Olga: This Caribbean restaurant serves authentic Haitian and Creole flavors with warm, family-style hospitality in one of our most iconic historical buildings.

Go Jo Ethiopian Cuisine & Deli: Brings rich Ethiopian culinary traditions to our Eastown district, with flavorful, communal dishes and deli-style offerings perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Little Africa: This regionally renowned Ethiopian restaurant is a regular stop for those seeking a cozy, comfortable atmosphere and vibrant East African dishes which appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

 

 

Shopping and Self Care

 

Apsara Spa: Luxury spa offering a serene escape in our Eastown district, where guests can enjoy massages, body treatments, and holistic therapies designed to soothe and renew.

Lady Love: Found at 1117 Wealthy Street SE, this barbershop is one of Uptown’s longest standing businesses and since 1972 has operated as a local service-oriented shop for self-care and community connection in one quaint space.

Tia’s Play Café: A vibrant indoor play space cafe where caregivers and little ones can connect, play, and relax together in a welcoming environment designed for family fun. We say that this one counts as self-care too, because any place where parents can catch a breath and a little downtime with other moms and dads can be a lifesaver!

 

 

 

Basic Bee Boutique: Trendy and spunky fashion boutique on Wealthy Street that curates contemporary women’s fashion and accessories with a focus on style, quality, and friendly service.

 

Creativity Abounds

 

Ambrosia Theatre: Local performance venue in an uber cool loft-style space in the historic Blackport Building. Offers an intimate space for theatre, comedy, music, and community arts events.

Grandstand Pictures: Indie film and event production entity in our Wealthy Street district that supports cinematic arts and community storytelling. Per their website, Grandstand seeks to “engage the narrative arts to overcome personal and societal hurdles that must go, in a quest to create a more just and equitable society.“

Public Art: Uptown GR, Inc. prides itself on championing local public art in a myriad of ways including via our public art grant program, which has financially supported the installation of eighteen (!) works of public art, to date. We recently had the opportunity to support one of the district’s newest installations, a gorgeous visually thrumming mural titled ‘Wealth of Soul’, by artist Edwin Anderson. You can check out this and our other vibrant and engaging works by local artists, many of which celebrate our district’s diversity, history and color, by experiencing our first ever self-guided walking tour.

 

 

Area Leadership

 

Calder News: While Calder News doesn’t exclusively cover just Uptown, Founder LeQwane Lynch is singlehandedly carving out an important niche in the hyperlocal digital journalism sector of West Michigan and does a phenomenal job in highlighting the happenings in our district, connecting residents with neighborhood developments, and much more. You’ve gotta subscribe (or give them a follow!).

Baxter Community Center: Under Executive Director Sonja Forte’s leadership, this community anchor continues to be a cornerstone of opportunity and support focusing on Uptown’s Baxter neighborhood and residents. They provide critical resources including food access, early childhood education, after-school programming, family empowerment, and workforce development, and more.

 

Uptown Church: Under the compassionate leadership of Pastor Greg, the congregation of Uptown Church continues to model neighbor-centered faith in action, supporting local outreach efforts and fostering a spirit of inclusion and care throughout Uptown. Their annual events are great fun and worth keeping an eye out for!

 

Newcomers To Get Excited About

 

Sugah Please: Newly opened brunch destination in our East Fulton district that is inspired by Southern and Bayou-style comfort foods, and which brings soulful breakfasts, lunches, and creative drinks to the neighborhood. This is the establishment’s latest location, and is currently also established in the Detroit area. 

 

Real Good Foods: Also new to our district, this gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free scratch bakery “blends culinary artistry with allergen awareness — because desserts should be inclusive, unforgettable, and made for everyone,” (That’s their mission statement, and we endorse 1000%!).

 

 

This list is intended to highlight a handful, so it’s by no means a complete roundup. New spots pop up, longtime favorites evolve, and there are always hidden gems we might miss, so think of this as a starting point rather than a final word. Where are your favorite Uptown spaces to support, uplift, and enjoy Black culture, community, and commerce?