Last year, we saw our community rally together in the fight for racial justice and equality. Across the country, people made monetary donations to organizations serving the Black community, educated themselves on national racial issues, advocated for policy change, and more. But the work is far from over.
While the protests have died down, it is still incredibly important to continue to show support to Washtenaw County’s Black community, whether that’s by donating to our local chapter of the NAACP, voting in the upcoming local election, or visiting one of the many Black-owned businesses in the Washtenaw County area.
To help you find a list of businesses you can support, we created the guide below. We know this is not a definitive list, so if we missed one of your favorite Black-owned businesses and organizations in our county, please let us know in the comments below. While this is a start, we encourage you to continue showing your support to these local business owners for many years to come.
Food & Drinks
24th Cheesecakerie — Family-run bakery offering gourmet cheesecake, whole cakes, dippers and more.
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Blue Nile — Comfortable, Ethiopian restaurant featuring all-you-can-eat platters & honey wine.
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Brookie’s Café — Ypsilanti café known for their delicious lamb chops and burgers.
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EK’s Cheesecake — Local home baker creating cheesecakes and cakes with delivery and pick-up options.
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Jamaican Jerk Pit — Small, unique Jamaican restaurant serving up Caribbean dishes using fresh ingredients and imported goods.
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Jamaican Spice — Food truck and catering service offering authentic Jamaican cuisine.
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Shopping
Black Stone Bookstore and Cultural Center — Independent African American bookstore bringing awareness to true African American literature and culture to the Ypsilanti community.
DIYpsi — A handmade art fair that takes place in Ypsilanti’s business district once each summer and winter.
Kamala Tree Designs — Local artist working with flowers to create home goods, jewelry, smudging and more.
Olympus Clothing — Athleisure clothing brand encouraging young men and women to reach their full potential.
Puffer Reds — Premier sneaker and apparel boutique with a brick-and-mortar location in Ypsilanti.
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BOYD Beauty — Facial plastic surgery and medical spa serving the Birmingham, Ann Arbor and Detroit communities.
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The Butters Hygienics Co. — Black and queer–owned vegan skincare company, creating everything from moisturizers to bath bombs.
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Dbts Skin Bar — Skincare company catering to all genders, skin types and concerns.
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De Shaney Hair Salon — Hair salon offering a variety of hair services and treatments, waxing, makeup, nails, eyelash extensions and more.
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Finesse Hair Salon — Ypsilanti hair salon offering customized treatment plans and styling services for men, women and children.
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Jeanys Jams — Small skincare business, crafting handmade, vegan products safe enough for even the most sensitive skin.
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Premium Cutz— Ypsilanti barbershop offering a variety of services performed by knowledgeable barbers and stylists.
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Salon Elite 120 — A destination for self-care in Ypsilanti offering hair styling and cuts, massages, nail services, lash extensions and much more.
Fitness
3N1 Fitness Revolution — Independently owned gym, combining the convenience of fitness chains and the personal touch of boutique studios.
A-Square Fight Club — USA registered boxing gym open to all ages and experience levels from novice to pro.
B Young B Fit Fitness — Local gym offering personalized fitness classes, training and nutritional counseling.
BodySpecs — Innovative fitness studio specializing in functional training, strength and conditioning, and specialized programs for female athletes.
Dance with Elegance — Dance studio offering classes for every skill level. Currently closed due to COVID-19, click here to donate to their GoFundMe.
The Fitness House — Ann Arbor’s most unique health and wellness co-op, offering a state-of-the-art fitness facility and outdoor amenities.
Hungry Hustla Fitness — Ypsilanti gym and fitness center offering group classes and personal training services.
Societe Indoor Cycling — Cycling studio offering engaging and diverse group classes with state-of-the-art technology and upbeat music.
Vixen Dance — Pole and exotic dance studio created for women to unapologetically express and reconnect with themselves.
DJ Graffiti — Detroit celebrity DJ hosting weekly events in Ann Arbor.
Elite Tax Consultants — Tax consulting firm headquartered in Ypsilanti providing discreet and professional income tax preparation services.
K&D Edible Landscaping — Local landscaping company incorporating herbaceous plants, fresh produce and edible flowers into residential landscapes.
TGQ Law — Michigan-based law firm specializing in the areas of estate planning and probate law.
Who did we miss?
Don’t see your favorite Black-owned Washtenaw County business? We want to know about them! Leave recommendations down in the comments and we’ll get them added to this list ASAP.
In addition to other businesses, if you know of any local nonprofits and organizations currently supporting the cause that need donations—let us know! We would love to mention them in our post.
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