One of the frequent questions that I hear from participants after I have conducted Diversity and Inclusion work in their organization is, “How can I be more supportive of this effort?” Personally, I am always seeking new and effective ways to walk the talk! In June of 2020, our family decided one small thing that we could do would be to order takeout food from more locally-owned Black businesses. On one such occasion, the owner came to our car with our order and asked how we heard about the restaurant. We told him that we had searched for locally-owned Black business owners in celebration of Juneteenth. He seemed quite appreciative as he handed over the yummy meal. 

For another outing that summer, we heard about a new business featuring all things cinnamon, and especially its cinnamon rolls — Cinnaholic Gaithersburg. It was great to discover that I could feed my cinnamon addiction while also supporting another locally-owned Black business.  
In order to encourage you to support your local community and to celebrate Black History Month, I have compiled a list of ideas below. If you don’t live in the DC metro area, use these ideas to do your own research. You will be glad you did!

Events, performances, sites, and museum exhibits that honor Black history and culture:
Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Washington, DC

Black-owned restaurants:
20+ Black Chefs and Black-Owned Restaurants & Bars in Washington, DCAdd These Black-Owned Restaurants in The DMV to Your List in 2022

Black-owned businesses:
DMV Black-Owned BusinessesBlack-Owned Businesses in the DMV Area

Black-owned wedding businesses:
7 Black-Owned Businesses That Are Shaping Washington DC Weddings

Black-owned catering businesses:
Get Plated, Sinfully Wright

Black-owned beauty businesses:
26 Black Beauty Brand Founders Changing The Industry