By: Robert Lovi By: Robert Lovi | June 13, 2022 | Culture, Food & Drink, Community,
As Juneteenth approaches, let's take a moment to recognize and support local black-owned businesses. This federal holiday in the United States, is dedicated to celebrating the emancipation of enslaved black Americans, and it honors African-American heritage. Ever since 1865, communities around the country have observed the annual celebration that started in Texas on June 19. Below you will find a list of local Black-owned hotels and restaurants, and events that you can visit.
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1300 Biscayne Blvd / Website
Juneteenth Juke Joint, a community celebration of Black freedom and culture, is organized by the Adrienne Arsht Center and is open to the public. For one night only, the Arsht Center's Peacock Foundation Studio will be transformed into a hotspot for dancing, live music, cocktails, and celebration with neighbors and friends in honor of Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in America. Pan-African beats and soulful melodies will be provided for guests' enjoyment, along with specially crafted food created by the chefs at Constellation Culinary Group. Southern-style bites will be served for $15, including the main course (protein), side dish (cornbread), and dessert. As a side dish, visitors can choose from Mac n' Cheese, Sweet Potato Fritters, Black-Eyed Pea Salad, or Cream Corn Casserole to accompany their main course of Catfish Nuggets or Beef Burnt Ends. Red Velvet or Banana Pudding Shooters are available for individuals with a sweet tooth. In addition, there will be a vegan/vegetarian alternative that features a fried green tomato sandwich slathered in pimento spread. Tickets may be purchased at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online by clicking here.
7127 NW 2nd Ave / Website
This week, Rosie's: The Backyard reopened at its new location owned and operated by hospitality power couple Akino and Jamila West amid Miami's culinary landscape. Once they have finished renovating a historic house, they plan to open their eatery in this backyard location for the time being. At Rosie's: The Backyard, you'll find a chef's interpretation of Southern American cuisine with Italian nuances and traditional techniques. In honor of both Father's Day and Juneteenth, Rosie's: The Backyard will be hosting a special Juneteenth Father's Day brunch this year. Guests may expect enhanced soul food brunch staples and salted caramel whiskey-based specialty cocktails. The Ghetto Gastro, a Bronx-based culinary collective founded by Jon Gray, Pierre Serrao, and Lester Walker, will be selling commemorative goods for both occasions.
723 Lincoln Ln N / Website
The Lincoln Eatery dining hall in Miami houses a small bakery called Café des Fleurs. This cafe was founded by Nahomie Jean Louis, a black female entrepreneur inspired by European cafes and flower stores. French bakeries are known for their beautiful treats. Café des Fleurs intends to bring that same delicacy and refinement to warm South Florida. As a result, Nahomie uses French sources to procure the freshest and most authentic ingredients, such as French olive oil (which is sourced directly from the country), jam, and Herbes de Provence. Café des Fleurs exclusively sells the most delicate pastries, such as mille feuille croissants, macaroons, french baguettes, and jams, at the shop. Beyond Café des Fleurs, Nahomie co-founded a deluxe French bakery where taste meets luxury, called the "French Delice Collections LLC." She is also the manager of operations and a lawyer for the Law Office of Eran Ben Ezra.
723 Lincoln Ln N / Website
It is the mission of SIMPLYGOODPIZZA, a new pizza concept at The Lincoln Eatery food hall in Miami Beach, to help the less fortunate in the city by using fresh ingredients sourced from the area. Max Pierre, a Miami entrepreneur, has worked extensively in Miami's food industry. He is renowned as a cultural leader and pioneer for his efforts to create meaningful brands and brand experiences. Max started the hybrid pop-up pizza concept to combine hospitality, advocacy, and community building. It's a concept and a business dedicated to pizza lovers and those who genuinely respect the importance of community and charitable giving. The overarching purpose of SIMPLYGOODPIZZA is to make a good influence on the community by simply "Doing the Right Thing" through the companies.
The Gabriel Miami / 1100 Biscayne Blvd / Website
The Gabriel South Beach / 640 Ocean Drive / Website
Raoul Thomas founded the Gabriel Miami and Gabriel South Beach hotels in Miami's downtown and oceanfront areas. He is the CEO of CGI Merchant Group, a global investment management company that focuses on real estate and private equity. With the help of investors like former MLB star Alex Rodriguez and world-renowned professional boxer and businessman Floyd Mayweather, his Miami-based company established a $650 million hospitality fund for the purchase of Hilton-branded hotels like The Gabriel Miami and The Gabriel South Beach, both of which are part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. As a result of his work on the inauguration of The Gabriel Miami, Raoul was awarded the 2019 "Hospitality Deal of the Year" award. To create CGI in 2006, Raoul blended his significant experience in global investment banking and management with a unique personal biography of having lived all over the world. Over the last 15 years, he has been at the forefront of CGI's explosive expansion.
7275 Collins Ave / Website / Tickets
An immersive production marking Juneteenth, America's second Independence Day, will be staged at the historic North Beach Bandshell on June 19, 2022, by Hued Songs. Acclaimed local artists Ace Anderson, Shanna Woods; Vanya Allen; Miriam King; J'Von Brown; Christian Reategui; Stephan St. Louis; Izia Lindsay; Kunya Rowley; Michelle Grant-Murray; Wilkie Ferguson; and Joseph Cloud will lead a dynamic and diverse group in the show.
“This is a celebration of Juneteenth Past, Present, and Future,” said artistic director Kunya Rowley. “Following our first ever Juneteenth Experience in 2021, this year’s performance seeks to continue the conversation around cultural identity and what Juneteenth looks like here in South Florida.”
Concertgoers can enjoy music and innovative short films focusing on African-American culture before the show. The show will be free to the public and streamed live online and at the North Beach Bandshell. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 8:00 p.m. Both events can be RSVP'd for on Eventbrite.
2435 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors / Website
There will be a Flash Mob dance at 5:45 p.m. at the stage at 6th Ave. and Wilton Drive in honor of the American celebration commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, Juneteenth. Several POC-produced tracks are in the Stonewall Pride Juneteenth Flash Mob music compilation. Visit the website to receive the practice DVD and learn the dance steps to participate in the Pride celebrations.
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Samia Gore is focusing on women's health. Gore is the first African-American female entrepreneur to impact the supplement sector substantially. Body Complete Rx was launched in 2017 by the author and advocate for healthy living following her recorded weight loss and motherhood transformation experience. In health and wellness, Gore has long been considered a pioneer and a leader. Up to this point, thousands of women and men worldwide have credited Body Complete Rx with altering their lives. In 2021, Gore was named one of Inc. Magazine's 100 Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs. Body Complete RX is now available in every Vitamin Shoppe location in the country, creating history as the first product owned and developed by a Black woman.
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Women's health company Rif Care (Regenerative International Female Inc.) is a hemp-based menstrual care brand owned and controlled by women. One of Val Emanuel and Rebecca Caputo's childhood best friends founded Rif Inc. because they both wanted to make a difference in the world through their work in the biotech industry. A company founded by women from many walks of life, Rif Care delivers safe and effective solutions that are healthy for people and the environment. It shapes every decision made by the firm. By design, everything about Rif Care is holistic, from the soil to the surface of your skin. Rif Care can act as a carbon offset for you monthly.
Photography by: Courtesy Derek Lamar/Unsplash