Austin’s culture is woven through the threads of its diverse community, and Black-owned businesses play an integral role in shaping the city’s identity. This Black History Month, let’s celebrate and support the entrepreneurs and creatives who are making an impact.
Black Austin Tours
Whether you’re a tourist or a seasoned Austinite, these tours are the perfect way to discover the city. Native Austinite Javier Wallace leads the tours, with knowledge passed down from his family and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. The tours include Black history walks in downtown and east Austin, a seasonal Colorado River tour, K-12 tours and more. For more information on Black Austin tours visit blackaustintours.com.
Black Pearl Books
The Austin-based independent bookstore is Black-woman owned. Black Pearl Books is a family-run business aiming to promote diversity, inclusion and representation through literature. They’ve been at their Burnet Rd. location since 2022 after three years of mostly online shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group also operates a nonprofit known as Put It In A Book with the goal to support literacy in the community. You can buy books in-store at 7112 Burnet Rd. Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also make online purchases at shop.blackpearlbookstore.com.
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Kicking It ATX
It’s more than just a sneaker store; it’s a community hub celebrating sneaker culture and fostering entrepreneurship. Founded with the help of Super Bowl champion Earl Thomas, Kicking It ATX offers a curated selection of sneakers and streetwear, empowering customers to express their individuality through footwear. Beyond retail, they provide resources and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Their Domain locale is at 3200 Palm Way #156. To find out more about the business, visit kickingit.com.
Rejected Hearts Club
There’s a story behind every design at Rejected Hearts Club. Founder and designer Jamie Batiste creates jewelry aimed at highlighting resilience, strength and self-love. The jewelry line features elements like magnetic clasps and hematite stones in necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. The Rejected Hearts Club is based in Austin but ships online orders across the globe. To view their current collection go to rejectedheartsclub.com.
Viva La Silk
Viva La Silk sells handcrafted silk wear. Designs by founder My-Cherie are inspired by her Cuban-Jamaican heritage. All clothes are hand-dyed, hand painted and hand sewn in Austin. The online store features matching pants and scarf sets, kimonos, scarves, scrunchies, gift boxes, bracelets and more. The scarves are versatile pieces. They can be worn as a wrap around the shoulders, a sarong, head wraps, or just as a scarf around the neck. Online orders can be made at vivalasilk.com.
More businesses to support this Black History Month
For more information on Black businesses visit The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce website.