It has become a tradition on Juneteenth to highlight Black-owned businesses.
Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their liberation, is a celebration of freedom.
In Springfield, where African Americans make up 20% of the population, according to data from the U.S. Census, there are numerous Black-owned businesses to support.
Here are some Springfield and Western Massachusetts businesses to celebrate on Juneteenth.
Touch of NYC Hair Boutique is a Black-owned salon in Springfield. Patrons can book an appointment online or at the salons where a variety of cosmetic services are offered.
“Hair is our passion, and our passion shows on every client that walks out of our doors,” the boutique’s website reads. “Through ongoing education, our stylists stay up to date on the latest styles and techniques to bring you the looks you want.”
Touch of NYC Hair Boutique LLC is located at 803 Belmont Ave. in Springfield.
The African Diaspora Mental Health Association is an outpatient mental health clinic that serves patients in the greater Springfield area, according to its website.
The association offers various services, including individual therapy, group therapy and medication management, according to its website. The African Diaspora Mental Health Association also offers a gun violence program that educates participants about the trauma of gun violence.
Although the African Diaspora Mental Health Association focuses on individuals from the African Diaspora, the association supports all people.
African Diaspora Mental Health Association is located at 605 State St. in Springfield. The association is open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Olive Tree Books-n-Voices is a Black-owned bookstore in Springfield.
The building where it is located used to be a drug den, but with the hard work of people who wanted Olive Tree to grow, the former drug den turned into a homey place, according to bookshop.org. With more than 700 titles, Olive Tree Books-n-Voices has a wide variety of works to choose from.
“You can make a selection from the Inspirational & Religious room, browse in the historical section, view our new wellness section or have a cup of coffee or tea while using Wi-Fi, curl up on the sofa with a best seller, read to your unborn child in our Mother’s rocking chair, or have your children read stories in the Young Readers room,” according to bookshop.org.
Olive Tree Books-n-Voices is located at 97 Hancock St. in Springfield. The bookstore is open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop serves signature sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts.
Patrons at Souper Sweet can order lunch meals such as “The Stake out,” a sandwich made with shaved steak, onions, arugula and gorgonzola spread, according to its menu.
Also on the menu are breakfast meals such as the “Hush your Mouth,” a crunchy French toast bread filled with ham, or chicken sausage, egg and fontina cheese, according to Souper Sweet’s menu.
Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop is located at 929 Belmont Ave. in Springfield. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to its website.
The Pan African Historical Museum USA in Springfield holds a collection of print materials to support the artifacts on display, according to the museum’s website.
The museum showcases the lasting impact of slavery and Springfield’s role in helping enslaved African Americans find freedom during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, according to the museum.
The Pan African Historical Museum USA has three galleries, each one dedicated to art, artifacts and paintings, according to the museum website.
The Pan African Historical Museum USA is located at 1500 Main St. in Springfield. The museum is open on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is open by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays.