How to celebrate Black History Month on Long Island - Shopping, Dining, History & More

February is Black History month, which is all about celebrating the richness of Black excellence, culture, and of course, food! Since we know how much Long Islanders love supporting our communities, what better way to celebrate Black History month than shopping small at some of Long Island’s top Black-owned businesses?

 

Black-owned businesses on Long Island 

 

Chara’s Kitchen - Bellport

If you are looking for good ole southern comfort, head over to Chara’s Kitchen for some of the best soul food in town! You can find everything from Shrimp and Grits, St. Louis Style BBQ ribs and creamy mac and cheese. You can also check out their homemade dessert for the full experience! All of it is made to order, with love.

 

Down The Rabbit Hole Wine Boutique - Sayville

For some, brunch is not complete without a great cocktail or glass of wine — but we will let everyone decide whether they want to spike their brunch or not. If you choose to turn things up, head over to Down The Rabbit Hole Wine Boutique in Sayville. They have a selection of wines bursting with flavors that you may want to try! They also source wines from Black-Owned wine makers around the world. They also offer wine consulting and in-home tastings.

 

Sweet and Savory Cafe - Baldwin

Sweet & Savory Café is a local, family-owned cafe offering magical moments on the weekends! Their menu has all of the brunch items one can only dream of, such a Guac Toast that is way better than the classic avocado toast, chicken and waffles, and crab cake. They also have scones and specialty drinks like a Vanilla Bourbon Latte (our fav). You can also grab a bottle of the McBrides Sisters Black Girl Magic wines.

 

Hush Restaurant Long Island - Elmont

Hush Long Island is located in Elmont and offers food for the soul. The restaurant is classy, chic, intimate, and the best place to indulge in “Caribbean fusion” dishes. The braised oxtail, Lobster and Shrimp Fried Rice, Vegetarian Pasta, and bottomless mimosas are some of our favorites.

 

GingerBites Haitian - Huntington

Gingerbites brings authentic Haitian dishes and beverages to Long Island. Some of our favorites are the classic Soup Joumou, Griot (Pork bits), served with rice and beans, fried plantain. They pride themselves on buying local and from organic farms.

 

Dunns River - Rockville Centre

Dunns River Restaurant & Lounge is one of the hottest Caribbean spots in Rockville Centre, serving authentic Jamaican food and drinks. Their menu features an array of dishes that cater to meat and seafood lovers plus vegetarians and vegans. Some of our favorite items are their Jerk Chicken, Escovitch Snapper and Stewed Tofu. They typically off dinner, lunch, and brunch (Sundays) on the go!

For inspiration and shopping resources to support businesses owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs and influencers, check out the Black Owned Long Island website and Instagram.

 

Edna White Coaching & Consulting - Riverhead

For relationship and business coaching, lean on Edna White Coaching & Consulting. Whatever your goal for the New Year may be, Edna White’s strategic coaching services can help you build your dream life into this reality. Currently, all consulting services are by appointment only and are being held virtually, learn more by visiting her website.

 

Helena's Homemade - Rockville Centre

Got a sweet tooth? Helena's Homemade has a variety of decadent treats guaranteed to satisfy it. Be sure to place your order online as Helena's Homemade is made-to-order.

 

Next Generation Long Island - Brentwood

Looking for an organization that supports civic engagement and networking? Join Next Generation Long Island, Inc. to be apart of a community of local young minds and top leaders.

 

Sugared Beauty Bar - Roslyn

Try out a new holistic beauty routine at Sugared Beauty Bar, where sugar, lemon and water are the all-natural ingredients used for your self-care upkeep!  Aside from the skincare and sugaring services offered, the Studio also offers Reiki class and utilizes Tibetan tones to center those in the classes.

 

Oliphantasy Inc. - Freeport

With travel on the top of everyone's mind, Oliphantasy will take the stress out of your destination planning. More than just a travel agency, the Oliphantasy staff members off concierge-level support to ensure your next vacation or getaway is the one of your dreams.

 

The Best Goodie Bag - Valley Stream

The Best Goodie Bag Specializes in making custom cakes, cupcakes, and other baked good from scratch using fresh local ingredients. The business currently services customers throughout NYC and Long Island. If you’re in need of a Cake or other treats for your event, look no further. No matter what your party needs, The Best Goodie Bag has got it… it’s in the bag!

 

MRV Group - Riverhead

MRV Group, LLC is a privately held full-service development, management, and commodity diversity supplier. It provides services for government clients at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as services in support of private and non-profit industries.

 

Celebrating Black History

 

African American Museum of Nassau County - Hempstead

This museum is only one of two National African American museums in the Northeast. The origins of the museum stem back to 1968 when a professor at Nassau Community College, Professor Ramsey, established a Black History exhibit at the college that later outgrew its space on campus and later found new exhibit space that became its own official museum in 1985. Programming at the museum includes themed exhibits that focus on historical figures and events, ‘hidden’ history and art, not just on Long Island but across the world. Music legends are highlighted at the museum including John Coltrane, Clark Terry, Buddy Tate, Hale Smith, Seldon Powell, and Billie Mitchell. Check out the museum’s exhibits today to see some of the best art & educational pieces as you learn more about Black History on Long Island.

 

Winnie’s Soul Food - Amityville

Winnie’s is a family owned and operated business, serving up Soul Food. Twimonisha is the owner and named this restaurant “Winnie’s” after her late mother who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. The menu is derived from all of her mother’s recipes. Twimonisha's journey began after she took her mother's recipes and created dinners to sell. Giving back is their secret to success, on holidays they give out free meals to those who come in. A second location in Massapequa is opening soon!

 

Argyle Park - Babylon

This is where the first professional African American baseball team originated, known as the Cuban Giants, who were originally formed in 1885. The players were all employees at the then Argyle Hotel and decided that year to make their own baseball team, which later became a very popular attraction for visitors to watch. The Cubans won every game against amateur teams and became an inspiration for people in black communities across Long Island and the entire United States as an all Black baseball team. Today, you can visit Argyle Park and view a plaque dedicated to the team.

 

Hofstra University - Hempstead

Martin Luther King Jr. was honored at Hofstra University with an honorary degree and was asked to address their graduating class in 1965. This was just one year after he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Long Island once again in 1967 when he was the guest of honor at a fundraiser in Seaview, Fire Island. Here, MLK addressed the crowd on the war in Vietnam, the continual struggle for equality and the importance of building community to the locals of the island.