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Taking the time to recognize, learn about, and celebrate Black History this month and every month is more important than ever. 

Black history month was born out of a tradition from the historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Starting in 1976, U.S. presidents have officially recognized February as Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and the ways that they have shaped the country we live in today. 

Celebrating Black History Month is about taking action to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans and to support people of color in the community. One way to do this is to shop small, supporting Black-owned businesses in Baltimore. 

We’ve compiled a list of some amazing Black-owned businesses in Baltimore to support in February and beyond, all not too far from your home at Luminary at One Light. Be sure to check them out as soon as you can!

Shop Food and Drink

Cuples Tea

Founded by Eric and Lynette Dodson, Cuples Tea started with a love and passion for tea from its owners. Find Cuples Tea on North Howard Street, and learn about how they’re combining tea education, music, art, and literature to create a socially connected atmosphere and to inspire healthy living. Try out their Afro BlueBerry Free Rooibos tea today!

Celestial Café

Started by a hair stylist, turned chef, Celestial Café has some of Baltimore’s freshest food. Through her café, owner Tondria Simon-Allen aspires to bring healthy, yet delicious, food to the Baltimore community through old-fashioned cooking techniques. Some of their dishes include the Celestial Cobb salad, the Blackened Salmon Club, and the Carmen Quesadilla!

Codetta Bake Shop 

What do you get when you combine a love for baking and music? Codetta Bake Shop! Codetta is the musical term that means “little coda,” as in the concluding musical section of the piece. In the context of this bake shop, it signifies the stunning way a dessert finishes off a meal. Support owner Sumayyah Bilal and her staff by visiting their location on Light Street (don’t forget to try out their popular Cookies N Cream Cheesecake). 

Crust by Mack

Run down to Hampden to find Crust by Mack, a pop-up bakery turned bake shop! This bake shop is a true family business and it also supports a dozen minority-owned brands in Baltimore and beyond, as well as the Maryland Food Bank. You won’t want to miss out on their delicious treats, from the Brown Butter Pecan Cookies to the Oven Fried Chicken Biscuit. 

Berries by Quicha 

Just in time for the month of love, head over to Federal Hill to Berries by Quicha for gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries! Shop their decadent strawberries today, which have previously been gifted for President Obama, Beyoncé, among other well-known people!

Shop Other Amazing Businesses

The Ivy Hotel 

The Ivy Hotel, located in Downtown Baltimore, will provide you with a much needed getaway if you want to get out of your usual spot. Try out their spa, spend an evening at their connected restaurant, the Maryland Bistro, book a room, and support their commitment to diversity in all areas and at all levels of their hotel. 

Dollhouse Boutique 

Spend an afternoon in Mount Vernon at the Dollhouse Boutique! The Dollhouse Boutique showcases owner Natalie Karyl’s brand, Ragdolls Couture, and other local designers. If you want to up your style, definitely check out their collections, from the “Men’s Up-Cycled Sustainable Collection” to their one-of-a-kind dresses and jumpsuits. 

KSM Candle Co. 

You can never go wrong making a new candle purchase. And you especially can’t go wrong learning how to make your own candles! Join Letta and her staff at KSM Candle Co. at one of their soy candle-making workshops, or stop by their shop in Woodberry to pick up a little gift for yourself or someone you love!

Drama Mama Bookshop

Drama Mama Bookshop, which creates one-of-a-kind journals, was founded by Alisa L. Brock, whose safe place has always been in paper and ink. She created this shop with the intention to help people find motivation and healing through the journals she creates. During Black History Month, the shop is offering $10 off when you spend $100 or more. Buy one of her limited edition Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison, or James Baldwin themed wooden journals today at the shop in Federal Hill!

Pandora’s Box

Pandora’s Box opened 16 years ago in Federal Hill from a love for fashion and accessories. If you share that same passion for style, check out their store in-person or online and their assortment of bags, clothes, home accessories, and more!

Support Local, Black-owned Businesses

We hope you will check out some of these amazing black-owned businesses in Baltimore this month, and every month!