February is Black History Month and a great way to celebrate the month is to support the Black community these days.

Black entrepreneurship in American has deep roots. In Flint & Genesee, the oldest running Black-owned business is the Golden Leaf Social Club, which opened in 1921 and is currently run by Lottie Reid who has been with the club for over 50 years. The club is known for its legendary Jazz bringing in a variety of musicians to sit in with the Eclipse Band.

Many other Black-owned businesses have been started in Flint & Genesee and these businesses continue to grow in the area.

Here are a few Black-owned businesses you can support in Flint & Genesee:

Beloved Covenant Creations

This online business specializes in faith-based items such as coffee mugs, t-shirts, decals and more. The shop, owned by Sharon Brooks, sells items that celebrate faith such as the Forgiven shirt and items that celebrate Black culture like the My VP Looks Like Me shirt.

Creative Expressions Dance Studio

Since 1982, Creative Expressions Dance Studio has served Flint providing dance lessons to students who have gone on to appear in music videos, movies, Broadway, the Rockettes and more.

Comma Bookstore & Social Hub

Owned by Egypt Otis, Comma Bookstore & Social Hub is a locally owned bookstore that specializes in new and used by authored by or about Black people, Indigenous people and People of Color.

Elle Jae Essentials

Owner La’Asia Johnson of Elle Jae Essentials specializes in safe and healthy skin and hair care products that are homemade.

Glam Boutiques

In downtown Flint, Glam Boutiques, owned by Deria Brown, is a small boutique offering women’s clothing, natural beauty care and gifts.

Kings Klutches

This local online handbag store started by Tonya King in 2014 sells a variety of handbags, wallets, clutches and luggage that are designer quality at reasonable prices.

Prime Eight Ten

On West Pierson Road in Mt. Morris Township, Prime Eight Ten opened in late 2020. The restaurant serves up an upscale dining experience, quality cocktails and an elegant lounge.

Tee’s Plentiful Salads

Located at the Flint Farmers’ Market, Tee’s Plentiful Salads, owned by Tamara Mathis, offers a variety of freshly made salads including a Santa Fe’ Salad, Cranberry Walnut Salad and Tee’s Turkey Salad.