By: Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate, and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable.
While corporations retreat, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, innovate, and thrive. According to NBC Select, over three million Black-owned brands are in the U.S., spanning every industry imaginable. As corporate America abandons its DE&I commitments, the power shifts to conscious consumers who invest in businesses that uplift and sustain marginalized communities.
Here are just a few standout Black-owned brands leading the charge:
Clothing & Accessories
- Telfar – The brand that revolutionized luxury fashion with its motto: “Not for you—for everyone.”
- Hanifa – A trailblazing womenswear brand founded by Anifa Mvuemba, known for its stunning digital fashion shows.
- Pyer Moss – Founded by Kerby Jean-Raymond, this label merges activism and high fashion.
- Grayscale – A streetwear brand bringing bold aesthetics and social commentary to the forefront.
- Sassy Jones – A standout accessories brand built on bold, unapologetic self-expression.
Beauty & Skincare
- Fenty Beauty – Rihanna’s globally inclusive beauty empire that set a new standard for shade diversity.
- Mented Cosmetics – Beauty products created specifically for deeper skin tones.
- The Lip Bar – A Black-woman-owned brand disrupting the beauty industry with bold, non-toxic lipstick shades.
- Pattern Beauty – Founded by Tracee Ellis Ross, specializing in products for textured hair.
- Alikay Naturals – Natural haircare products with a devoted following.
Home & Lifestyle
- Estelle Colored Glass – Hand-blown glassware that brings Black excellence to fine dining.
- Jungalow – A home décor brand from designer Justina Blakeney, blending culture and bohemian flair.
- Linoto – Luxury linen bedding made with sustainability in mind.
- Yowie – A modern design studio curating unique home goods from independent artists.
Food & Beverage
- Partake Foods – A Black-owned snack company offering allergen-friendly cookies and treats.
- McBride Sisters Wine Collection – The largest Black-owned wine company in the U.S., run by two sisters redefining the industry.
- Uncle Nearest Whiskey – Honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the Black distiller behind Jack Daniel’s original recipe.
- Capital City Mambo Sauce – The D.C. favorite taking over the condiment industry.
Meanwhile, corporate America’s performative commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is unraveling at an alarming rate.
In the years following the murder of George Floyd, corporations made bold promises to support marginalized communities, pledging billions in investments to level the playing field. But as the political landscape shifts and accountability wanes, those commitments are being discarded.
A staggering number of major corporations have scaled back or eliminated DE&I programs: Amazon, Target, Amtrak, Goldman Sachs, Disney, Deloitte, PBS, Google, Pepsi, General Motors (GM), GE, Intel, PayPal, Chipotle, Comcast, Accenture, The Smithsonian Institution, the FBI, Meta, Walmart, Boeing, Molson Coors, Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, and John Deere have all abandoned or severely reduced their diversity efforts.
The very companies that once paraded their commitment to racial equity in multimillion-dollar ad campaigns are now quietly erasing those initiatives from their bottom lines.
Not everyone is staying silent. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the influential pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in metro Atlanta, is leading a 40-day economic fast—or boycott—of Target in direct response to the retailer’s decision to phase out its DE&I initiatives. Target, headquartered in Minneapolis—the city where George Floyd was murdered in 2020—originally pledged $2 billion in investments toward Black-owned businesses.
That commitment was due in December 2025, but on January 24, Target announced it would end its DE&I efforts, effectively abandoning that financial commitment. Bryant, appearing on the Black Press’ Let It Be Known news program, condemned the move.
“After the murder of George Floyd, they made a $2 billion commitment to invest in Black businesses,” he said. “When they pulled out of the DE&I agreement in January, they also canceled that $2 billion commitment.”
Target is just the beginning. Bryant calls for 100,000 people to halt their spending at the retail giant as a direct challenge to corporate America’s retreat from racial equity. “Black people spend $12 million a day at Target,” he said. “Because of how many dollars are spent there and the absence of commitment to our community, we are focusing on Target first.” The boycott, designed to coincide with Lent, aims to leverage Black economic power to hold corporations accountable. Within just one week, 50,000 people had already signed the petition at targetfast.org, signaling the growing momentum behind the movement.
Bryant’s demands go beyond reinstating DE&I. “White women are the number one beneficiary of DE&I,” he noted. “What I am asking for is a quarter of a billion dollars to be invested in Black banks so that our Black businesses can scale.” He also called for Target to partner with HBCUs by integrating their business departments into its supply chain infrastructure. Meanwhile, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the nation’s largest Black-owned media organization—has announced its own national public education and selective buying campaign in response to corporate America’s retreat from DE&I. “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America,” said NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reinforced the need for financial realignment. “Black Americans spend $2 trillion annually. We must evaluate and realign to question why we continue to spend our money with companies that do not respect us. These contradictions will not go unchallenged.” In response, Bryant has partnered with Ron Busby, president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, to provide consumers with a directory of 300,000 Black-owned businesses. “You can’t tell people what not to do without showing them what to do,” Bryant said. “If you’re not going to Target or Walmart but need essentials like toilet paper, soap, or detergent, we’ll show you where to get them and reinvest in Black businesses.”
And the impact of the boycott is already felt. Since Black consumers began boycotting Target, the company’s stock has dropped by $11, Bryant noted.
- Lābb Alifíque®
Lābb Alifíque® is where Science and Art meets Luxury. They are an innovative Aesthetics and wellness practice providing regenerative and integrative solutions for rejuvenating the skin’s health, age preservation, and overall wellness. Their goal is to help clients achieve optimal skin health, enhance natural beauty, and rejuvenate their skin’s overall being. Visit the website to discover the services and book an appointment.
https://labbalifique.com/ email: thelabb@labbalifique.com, 214-838-6570, 1811 Greenville Ave. Suite 100, Dallas
- Williams Chicken®
In 1987, Mr. Hiawatha Williams opened his first Williams Chicken® Drive-Thru Eatery in Dallas, Texas. Today, there are over 40 Williams Chicken® stores in operation. The majority of the Williams Chicken® stores are located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. However, store locations now include South, East, and West Texas, along with Northern Louisiana. Come grow with us! Our expansion will focus on locations that offer off-road visibility. Notwithstanding our market research, the real secret to our success is the company’s philosophy: To Serve, Grow, and Give Back to the Community™. You can find Williams Chicken throughout Dallas/Fort Worth and other parts of Texas.
- Roland Parrish – Parrish Restaurants, LTD
Roland Parrish was born in Hammond, Indiana, attended Purdue University on academic and athletic scholarships, and has gone on to become a very successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the CEO and owner of Parrish Restaurants, LTD, owning 25 McDonald’s in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area. He is also the 2nd largest African American owned McDonald’s Franchisee in the country. Parrish is frequently featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and stays on their list of top 100 black-owned businesses in the country (currently number 52). He has won numerous awards and has been recognized for countless honors but the accolades are not just because of his entrepreneurship. Visit the website to learn more about Parrish his foundation and his McDonalds.
https://parrishcharitablefoundation.org/
- Pelican House Restaurant, Owner and Head Chef Louis Rainey
Chef Louis Rainey creates classic New Orleans-style meals, plus a Sunday brunch buffet & full bar, which are offered in a stylish space. Located in Duncanville, Texas. This restaurant is not only a dine-in restaurant, but also orders online and delivers with Grubhub and others. Service options include outdoor seating, great cocktails, and high chairs available.
Pelican House Restaurant believes in the power of community and the magic of sharing its rich culinary heritage for a cause. They invite your organization to partner with them for an unforgettable fundraising experience. Visit the website and check the menu and more. https://thepelicanhouserestaurant.com/
- AT Ease Hair and Skin Care, CEO Ozell Graham
AT Ease Hair and Skin Care’s mission is to provide universal hair and skin products, education, and training to consumers so they can maintain personal grooming for healthy hair and skin. Leaving them relaxed; worry-free feeling AT Ease. With 8 years of honorable military service and 25 years of experience in the Cosmetology and Barbering Industry catering to everyone from the everyday hardworking citizen to your favorite athlete or celebrity, they are known for their attention to detail and customer service.AT Ease was built with Integrity our products do exactly what they say they’re going to do from solving problems with dry; brittle hair to giving a relaxing smooth shave. Visit the website sign up for the newsletter and get 15% off your first order. https://ateasehairandskincare.com/
- Mocca Makeup & Skincare, Founder Kena Williams
Have you heard of Mocca? Inspired by women of color, this smoking hot brand of products has blossomed into a multi-cultural, global dynasty. Not to mention, it is one of the fastest-growing businesses in Dallas, TX. Kena Williams got her start 23 years ago when she launched MOCCA Cosmetics in June 2002. William’s clientele features an impressive list of who’s who in every field. Actress Angela Robinson of Tyler Perry’s The Have and the Have Nots; comedian Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and comedian Sommore. In 2016, Williams rebranded MOCCA Cosmetics into MOCCA Makeup & Skincare as the sole proprietor. Are you wearing Mocca? Get yours today. https://moccacosmetics.com/
- Flewellen’s Beauty Salon, Owner Kaye Flewellen
Flewellen’s Beauty Salon in Oak Cliff is a sanctuary of sorts. It goes far beyond the hair.
It’s a unique place for men and women. It serves dual purposes for the Black community. Oftentimes you leave with a new look, but almost always with a renewed spirit.
Flewellen’s, a historic salon in Oak Cliff, is just one of the many shops where both things happen simultaneously. The salon experience is especially important for the Black community because, for years, it was one of the only places outside of the church where Black people could find fellowship. Flewellen’s Beauty Salon is located at 3611 S Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX (214) 371-3322. Book your appointment.
- Chef Felicia Guimont, Founder of OMG Cakes & Southern Best Catering, LLC
Celebrity Chef Felicia Guimont, founder of OMG Cakes & Southern Best Catering, LLC, started her culinary journey in 1997 while working at Texas Instruments. Since then, Chef has cultivated a team that is dedicated to her mission of providing ‘quality service.
Hailing from Mississippi, Felicia draws on childhood memories and her Aunt Shug’s teachings to bring families back to the table with each flavorful meal, embodying a commitment to healing through food. Visit the website to book her services. https://thecheffee.com/
- Royal’s Fried Chicken Founder & CEO Wesley Catholic
Indulge in Flavorful Perfection Royal Fried Chicken DFW, we are your ultimate destination for mouthwatering fried chicken that’s a feast for your senses. Our golden-brown, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave you craving for more. It’s a crispy delight. Royal’s fried chicken is a masterpiece crafted with precision, using a secret blend of spices that infuses each bite with an explosion of flavor. Visit the website to find a location.
https://www.royalfriedchickendfw.com/ (214)859-3472 140 S. Clark Rd. Cedar Hill, TX
- St. Philip’s School and Community Center Dr. Terry Flowers, Perot Family Headmaster
St. Philip’s School and Community Center, founded as a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, acknowledges that next to God, an excellent education is the most effective means of developing human capital. As a private school in Dallas, they provide an unparalleled college preparatory education fueled by a confluence of spirituality, self-determination, and service to others. As a Community Center, they provide services and resources that assist families in enhancing their quality of life. To learn more about St. Philips and Dr. Terry Flowers, Perot Family Headmaster visit the website. https://www.stphilips1600.org/ 214-421-5221, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Dallas, TX
- Pan-African Connection Akwete Tyehimba, CEO
Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery, and Resource Center was established in 2000 to fill a void: to bring a real high-quality Rare Bookstore to the Dallas area. Our passion for excellence is what drove us from the beginning and it still drives us now. It’s what makes us tick. Pan African Connection opened in 1989 and became a beacon for African culture in Dallas. Founder Bandele Tyehimba worked for Boeing at night while running the bookstore during the day until he could quit his job. Bandele Tyehimba died at age 58 in 2012. His wife, Akwete, stepped up to keep the dream alive. Stop by the Glendale Shopping Center in Oak Cliff on Marsalis at Ann Arbor. https://panafricanconnection.com/
- The Dock Bookshop Donna Craddock, Owner
The Dock Bookshop is one the largest African American owned full-service bookstore in Texas and the Southwest, which opened in 2008. Their mission is to inspire, inform, and entertain customers through books and book-related events in a relaxing and spacious environment. The Dock also sells audiobooks, eBooks, greeting cards, vinyl, candles, oils, novelty & gift items, and personal and home care items. The bookstore owners also carry out its social responsibility through the American Reading Council (ARC), 501(c)(3), which is dedicated to promoting literacy and literary arts to build healthy communities.
www.thedockbookshop.com
6637 Meadowbrook Dr., Fort Worth, TX Phone: 817-457-5700
- Dallas Black Dance Theater Founder Ann Williams
Dallas Black Dance Theatre was founded by Ann Williams in 1976 to inspire minority boys and girls to appreciate dance as an art form and be a role model for Black youth to envision themselves as professional dancers. Its mission is to create and produce contemporary modern dance at its highest level of artistic excellence through performances and educational programs that bridge cultures and reach diverse communities. With an ever-expanding national and global audience, the company employs a diverse, multi-ethnic troupe of dancers performing for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Visit the website to learn more about DBDT. https://dbdt.com/ 2700 Ann Williams Way Dallas, TX
(214) 871 2376 email: admin@dbdt.com
- Kitchen and Kocktails Owner, Kevin Kelley
Kitchen and Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is revolutionizing the way Americans enjoy elevated comfort food. Mr. Kevin Kelley, the owner, is a serial entrepreneur. Mr. Kelley realized how much he missed the food that reminded him of home while overseas. Through this experience, he decided on his next endeavor: to open a beautifully designed, elevated comfort food dining room. Not being able to find that prime location to lease, Kevin’s response was to buy the historic Hart building on Elm St. outright. This is how Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley came to life. Learn more got the website and stop by at 1933 Elm St in Dallas. https://kitchenkocktailsusa.com/ 469-472-5445
- Tawni Haynes Custom Apparel
As a renowned designer, wife, mother of four, fitness enthusiast, and devoted Christian, Tawni’s journey from a passion for trendy accessories to a thriving fashion design and manufacturing business has been extraordinary. Her custom apparel transforms clients from everyday to runway-ready, whether for business meetings or national television appearances. Tawni’s got you. Tawni says, “My clients are real women with curves, and every design is crafted to make them feel like the most beautiful woman in the room—whether they’re a size 8 or 18.”
Visit the website to see her collections and join the email list. https://shop.tawnihaynes.com/ sales@tawnihaynes.com 972-754-5096
- Sunnyside Athletic Club in Dallas
Reach all your fitness goals at Sunnyside Athletic Club in Dallas. Located in Sunny South Dallas on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. With a welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff, Sunny Side Athletic Club provides a space for individuals to work towards their health and wellness goals. Whether you need to hit the gym for leg or arm day, the machines at Sunnyside Athletic Club in Dallas can help you get the look you want. Parking is plentiful, so visitors can feel free to bring their vehicles. Stop by the gym at 1630 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. or call (214) 421-5464
- Dorothy Jones’ Blackjack Pizza
While Dorothy Jones’ Blackjack Pizza caters to a pizza-loving crowd, it also serves a mean cheeseburger, beloved by its regulars for its girth and bubbling cheese. Its pizzas are whoppers as well full of meat and veggies or vegetarian. Naturally, build-your-own pizzas are available. Among the options is a sauce choice, which includes traditional marinara and KC Masterpiece brand barbecue sauce. Unlike other chains, Blackjack gambles beyond putting burgers on the menu. The lemon tea is sweet and delicious. They have two locations 2536 Martin Luther King Blvd. Dallas, 214-565-1025 and 2120 N St Augustine Rd, Dallas 972-329-1414.
- Kingz of Cutz By Dre
Dre started with the simple idea of bringing the best of himself to you. He’s passionate about his craft. He pays attention to details and is very time-oriented. He’s been cutting hair professionally for 15 years. He puts a lot of love and careful thought into everything he does. Dre will do his best and hopes you enjoy the service and a great haircut. You will find Kingz of Cutz in Sunny South Dallas at 3109 Al Lipscomb Way, Dallas, (817) 231-2495
- Providence Preserves Owner Debbie Roberts
Debbie Roberts shares that making preserves has been a family tradition. Growing up in rural North Carolina during the summer meant helping the family make preserves that would be eaten and shared during the winter. They have improved upon some of the family’s favorite recipes and created new ones. The recipes receive the taste test from canning connoisseurs, (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mothers-in-law). Their list of summer goodness in a jar includes Strawberry Jam, Peach Jam, Berry-Peachy Jam, Jalapeno Mint Jelly, Tomato Pear Chutney, Chow-Chow, Peach Habanero Jam, Watermelon Rind Pickles, Squash Pickles, Bread & Butter Pickles, Cinnamon Cucumber Rings, Pickled Okra and Dilly Beans. “O Taste and See…” Visit the website to order your favorite preserve.
https://www.providencepreserves.com/ Office: (469) 454-4612 Email: support@providencepreserves.com
- The Cochran Firm Dallas
The Cochran Firm Dallas, along with its sister office The Cochran Firm Houston, has served the citizens of Texas for over 10 years providing them with access to exceptional legal representation. Managing partners Bryan Pope and Larry Taylor are committed to helping their clients in cases that involve personal injury, auto & trucking accidents, sexual harassment, and criminal defense. Additionally, they strive to serve their clients in these areas with the same devotion and tenacity as the founding partner Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. In addition to its impressive roster of Texas attorneys, The Cochran Firm Dallas has access to the experience and resources of the entire Cochran Firm National organization.
Visit the website for more information. https://www.cochranfirm.com/dallas/ 1-800-THE-FIRM
- Dr. Jill Waggoner
Dr. Jill Waggoner holds a Medical Degree and a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma. She is certified in Preventive Medicine and Wellness Coordination from the prestigious Cooper Institute. Dr. Waggoner is a residency-trained, board-certified Family Practice Physician, with nearly 30 years of experience. She has studied Functional and Integrative medicine for the past 15 years; an approach that seeks to find the cause of disease and uses multiple healing modalities to help patients obtain optimal health. Dr. Jill Waggoner is dedicated to giving individuals the tools needed to step beyond the traditional approach, of early detection of disease to the futuristic reality, of prevention of disease.
Visit the website for optimal health. https://www.askdrjill.net/
- Indigo Dentistry, Dr. Kera Collier, DDS
Dr. Kera Collier is a native of Oak Cliff in Dallas, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University. Her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree, from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2009. She is a member of the National Dental Association and the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Collier takes pride in offering Quality Dental Care in a comfortable atmosphere to everyone she serves, from the young to the “young at heart”. Do you need a new dentist visit the website, call, or stop by the office in Cedar Hill. https://indigodds.com/ Legacy Crossing 918 E. Pleasant Run Rd, Ste 120
Cedar Hill. (972) 779.0300
- Glitz Optical Founder Amber Jackson
After 10 + years working in the industry, Amber was fed up with frames not widely showcasing, a variety of fits that catered to people of different ethnicities and face shapes. Combining my love for the art and diversity represented within my beloved city, Dallas; she came up with a new concept for eyewear that was just as unique and inclusive, Glitz Optical. Their client personifies the finer things in life not because society says it’s “fine” but because they feel “this piece was made for ME” when they wear it. To find what you need visit the Glitz Optical website. https://glitzopticalonline.com/
- LaDoMedia International, CEO LaDonna Colón
LaDonna Colón is a Video Producer, Camera Operator, Content Creator, and CEO of LaDoMedia International- a full-service media production company whose mission is to assist individuals and organizations in creating videos to promote various causes and events. LaDonna Colón is a talented video producer, writer, and editor with over 26 years of experience producing media projects. Clients seek these services for quick project turn-around, return on investment, quality media, and comparable rates. Clients then use their video projects on social media outlets, for employee training, archival purposes, gala presentations, or other special events. To find out more visit the website.
- BleuReign Skin + Spa, Owner Irtashia Horn
Welcome to Bleu Reign Skin + Spa, a new favorite relaxation spot, At Bleu Reign Skin + Spa, they offer clients a customized, first-class experience in self-care. They understand their client’s desire to unwind while receiving services that support them in achieving their goals through skincare and wellness treatments. Located in Arlington, Texas, This award-winning spa offers a quiet, yet inviting atmosphere. Visit the website to see all of the services and book your appointment.
https://bleureignskin.glossgenius.com/
email: bleureignskin@gmail.com
817-689-6353 117 S. Watson Rd Ground Floor Lux Hotel, Arlington
