Chicago is the home of many Black-owned businesses, ranging from traditional southern comfort food restaurants to art galleries dedicated to Black artwork. Black History Month may have ended, but supporting the Black community is year-round! Here are 10 Black-owned businesses that are accessible by public transit and take less than 45 minutes to travel to from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s campus.

This is just a small list of the Black-owned businesses in Chicago. The heart of Chicago’s culture has always been built by the Black community. Showing these local businesses and organizations support is a simple way we can care for our community.

Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles

With a wide variety of meal options, Chicago’s Chicken and Waffles is a famous restaurant featuring, as the name suggests, chicken and waffles, along with other southern classics. There are two restaurants, one located in Oak Park and the other in Bronzeville. I visited the Bronzeville location with my friend Kayla Strite (BFA 2029). We ordered the Tonya’s Choice, a side of macaroni and cheese, and a side of candied yams to share.

The freshly-cooked food was steaming as it was served to us. The skin of the chicken was crispy, while the meat inside was moist. The waffles were soft and soaked up the sweet syrup. The macaroni and cheese had a unique cheese blend that made a classic feel new. The star of the show for Kayla, though, was the candied yams. “It reminds me of home,” she said, tearing up. With our bellies full and smiles on our faces, we left the restaurant with a fond memory.

Semicolon Books

Semicolon Books is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, created by DL Moore to create a safe space for readers who are people of color. This organization believes reading is used to empower and expand empathy towards the experiences of minority people. Reading is a form of resistance that fights against ignorance, apathy, injustice, and inequality, according to their website. This organization also provides access to books for minority communities to bridge the literacy gap and spark interest in reading.

Black Ensemble Theater

The Black Ensemble Theater is an organization that builds community through performing arts and delivers “the authentic, African American voice.” The company was created by Jackie Taylor in 1976 and resides in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, where they provide opportunities for Black performers. The Black Ensemble Theater has implemented programs like the Black Playwrights Initiative, which provides opportunities for selected scriptwriters to develop their stories with the help of the theater. For its 50th anniversary, the Black Ensemble Theater is reviving its 2000 production of “The Jackie Wilson Story,” which runs through April 7.

Blanc Chicago

In Bronzeville, Cliff Rome and Eileen Rhodes opened the fine arts gallery Blanc Chicago. Their mission, according to their website, is to create discussions around spiritual, political, and social issues. The gallery engages with the Black community and the Chicago community through exhibitions.

Pear Nova

Pear Nova is an online business based in Chicago, created by Rachel James in 2012, connecting fashion, beauty, art, and elegance. Her work highlights the importance of “celebrating all skin tones,” according to her website. James primarily sells nail care items, including polish, files, scrubs, and butter. All of her products are vegan and cruelty-free, and are made without the 10 most controversial chemicals found in most nail polishes.

Bronzeville Boutique

Bronzeville Boutique was another shop I visited in person. With a wide variety of unique designs, the boutique offers high-quality, size-inclusive fashion. Their clothing is ideal for special occasions or important events; however, they do provide a rack filled with clothes priced at $20 right as you walk into the store.

Chicago Kilwins

While the Kilwins brand is not Black-owned, the Kilwins stores on Michigan Avenue and around Chicago are owned by Jackie Jackson, a Black entrepreneur focused on community building. In 2024, she was given Illinois’s Small Business of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration. This shop has a variety of sweet treats, including ice cream, chocolate, caramel apples, and more.

Afrohemian

Another online store based in Chicago is Afrohemian, which sells accessories. With a focus on handmade, afrocentric jewelry; cultural goods; and vintage items, the shop aims to “reflect the beauty of African and Black culture.” Lakesha Renee, the main designer, is a self-taught metalsmith focused on “creating high-quality and affordable jewelry.”

D-Composed

Aiming to create classical music that is reflective of the Black experience, D-Composed is a Chicago-based Black chamber ensemble. The group was created by Kori Coleman and Yelley Taylor in 2017 to “celebrate Black culture and creativity through the music of Black Composers.” Music is not just entertainment to them; it is a storytelling tool that educates and inspires.

Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health 

Christopher LeMark, the founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health, created an impactful experience for Kayla and me at his shop. He greeted us warmly, asked for our pronouns, and not only gave us a free sample, but gave us both a free drink and a muffin. While the drinks were nicely warm and the muffins were soft to the touch, it was the connection he made with us that was the sweetest part.

LeMark conversed with us, listening to us talk about art college and asking questions about our time in Chicago. He encouraged us to continue our journeys as artists and gave advice for the future. His genuine care was clear. LeMark said that the shop is there so you can connect with the community and to remind you to love yourself. Support is a big part of their message on their website, and I can say that I felt it in that space.