Following countless acts of police brutality during the last few years, many black people decided to stop protesting and start boycotting. Black Friday is the most popular time of year for Americans to get their Christmas shopping done, so why not continue this boycott when it counts the most?
Here are a few local black businesses where you can spend your dollars on Black Friday.
Save A Lot grocery store – 12200 Plank Road
Start shopping for Christmas dinner at Save A Lot grocery store. Franchisee and former New Orleans Saint cornerback Tyrone Legget opened the store in 2015, hoping to give back to the North Baton Rouge community that raised him.
Because North Baton Rouge’s population is predominately black, having a black-owned grocery store nearby could help bring revenue into an area of the city that is typically forgotten. It is also a great way for residents to keep money within the black community.
Save A Lot offers everything other grocery stores do, including coupons, but its website save-a-lot.com also offers recipe ideas. So while you’re shopping for groceries for Christmas dinner, you can also shop around for some holiday
recipes.
Eye Am Kemet Shop – 12097 Old Hammond Hwy, Suite D4
For all of your pro-black and afro-centric clothing needs, the Eye Am Kemet Shop is the place to go. With a variety of dashikis and dashiki-print clothing, such as skirts and jumpsuits, this shop is all about paying homage to the motherland.
According to reviews on the shop’s Facebook page, the owners are involved in the black community and also give back to other black-owned businesses.
Aside from African-inspired apparel, the shop also sells natural oils, shea butter, black soap, jewelry and more. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.—7 p.m.
Brown and Brown Custom Clothiers – 5454 Government Street
Looking for a church suit for your Christmas service? Brown and Brown has you covered, literally. As the only nearby black-owned business on this list, Brown and Brown specializes in custom-made suits, ties, slacks and more.
Along with offering custom-made clothing at a fair price, Brown and Brown also gives back to the community, particularly the University community. Every year, the business offers its signature suits to the male participants in the University’s Mr. and Miss Imani Scholarship Pageant for free.
Occasions Unlimited – 2160 Main Street, Baker, Louisiana
Looking to throw an awesome holiday party or birthday extravaganza? Occasions Unlimited offers a 4,300-square-foot facility, perfect for all party planning needs. This black family-owned business is approximately seven miles away from Baton Rouge.
Other services the business offers include a house DJ for four hours, on-site professional staff and tables and chairs complete with sashes and centerpieces.
Aside from keeping black dollars in the black community, shopping at black-owned businesses on Black Friday will save you from waiting in long lines and fighting over who gets the last mini skirt from Macy’s.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Michael Palmer

Local black-owned business Brown & Brown Custom Clothiers operates during its normal hours on Nov. 17, 2016 at 5454 Government Street, Baton Rouge. The shop offers custom men's attire and tailoring services.