Did you know I love Black Owned Businesses? Of course you do and you also know that I love all things African-American, BLACK, from the diaspora and any other reference to decedents of slaves. That would include African-American holidays and celebrations that honor our history.
July 4th is simply a paid day off of work for me, nothing worth celebrating when you consider Black people were not free when the Declaration of Independence was signed on this day in 1776. Fast forward to June 19, 1865, when the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas and ordered that slavery had indeed ended. That was the beginning of pseudo-independence for Africans in America and the holiday we now know as Juneteenth.
Doing a simple search for Juneteenth events on Facebook, I discovered The Philadelphia Community of Leaders Cultural Committee was hosting a week of events to celebrate Juneteenth. They were getting the party started with the iBuyBlack Bus Tour. When I found an event that combined celebrating Juneteenth and supporting Black Owned Businesses, I couldn't wait to attend with my favorite road crew, cousin ReRe and my son, Jalen.
A broad coalition of Philadelphia leaders united and developed the iBuyBlack Discount Card. For $10.00, cardholders receive discounts from participating businesses and in exchange, business owners acquire new customers, a network of support from community leaders and fellow entrepreneurs as well as free promotion. The iBuyBlack Bus Tour took us to visit a few of the businesses that accept the iBuyBlack discount card. Each stop of the tour is below! Don't forget to check out the video recap that accompanies this blog post as well.
1st Stop: Breakfast Boutique
8630 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa 19118
10% off any purchase of $10.00 or more for iBuyBlack cardholders
The tour began with fellowship and some of the best food I eva had! I knew this spot was going to exceed my expectations when we arrived to join the line of patrons waiting to be seated inside. As plates of jerk chicken and waffles, pancakes, shrimp and grits arrived, we all vowed to return to the Breakfast Boutique. I paid less than $30 + tip on dishes for me and my son. The iBuyBlack 10% off discount is great, but I PROMISE, the food at the Breakfast Boutique is worth paying full price.
2nd Stop: Yadain Cultural Solutions, LLC
139 W. Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa 19144
20% off all purchases for iBuyBlack cardholders
Our second stop is a naturalista's dream!! Yadain Cultural Solutions is like a candy store filled with all natural skin and hair care products. All of the products are made on site and the staff is beyond knowledgeable about which products work best for your bath and body needs.
3rd Stop: Perfectly Flawless Boutique
5312 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa 19144
5% off all purchases for iBuyBlack cardholders
What makes Perfectly Flawless Boutique unique is the collaborative effort of four enterprising ladies who found that a co-operative effort is an exercise of group economics. If you stop in, you will find the boutique owner, a make-up artist, a fashion designer/stylist, and a massage therapist. It's a one-stop shop destination for pampering or special event preparation. You MUST watch the video for an inside sneak peek of Perfectly Flawless and a soul stirring introduction from entrepreneur Crystal Jackson! Keep scrolling thru!
4th Stop: Holistic Health Suite & Café
6802 Old York Road
Philadelphia, Pa 19126
10% off all purchases for iBuyBlack cardholders
Tea lovers can purchase their favorite leaves by the ounce - over 100 varieties - from Holistic Health Suite & Café. This husband and wife business partners aim to serve their customers, mind, body and soul. Together they explained the health benefits of tea and the other therapeutic services they offer in this 3 story wellness center complete with massage rooms for men and women as well as meeting space for groups.
5th Stop: Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books
5445 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa 19144
5% off all purchases for iBuyBlack cardholders
Philly is home to author, political commentator, media personality and professor Marc Lamont Hill who has also opened Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books which puts that "other coffee shop" to shame. Inviting is an understatement... the spot has ledge upon ledge upon ledge of books on subjects pertinent to the Black community and features Black authors. Post up in any 1 of 2 lounge areas with coffee, tea, fruit infusions and slices of sweet potato pie that will make your eyes roll into the back of your head. I purchased 4 tees and a Black Panther Party tote bag that if you want to see, head over to my Instagram!
October Gallery
5917 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19144
10% off all purchases for iBuyBlack cardholders
Sculptures, oil paintings, prints, canvas, greeting cards, hand-crafted jewelry, mugs and even more art can be found at the October Gallery. My son is currently cultivating his ability to sketch and he loved being surrounded by so many artistic impressions. I found myself walking from room to room being drawn to a different image, a different mask, a different painting. It was an incredible experience. I was crushed to learn my video of the October Gallery did not save to my SD card! I hope the pictures below will suffice and inspire you.
The iBuyBlack Bus Tour is an event you need to experience! My entourage and I had such a good time, not only would I recommend the tour to others, I plan on attending tours in the future. If businesses are interested in joining the network or if you want to purchase a discount card, please visit www.ibuyback.org.
OAN... that video I told you about... click it and let it play!
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