United States

Minneapolis 

Black-Owned

Community

MMYYKK

MMYYKK is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, vocalist and songwriter currently based in the twin cities of Minnesota. When not in the lab synthesizing or tracking vibes, you can usually find him in local art spaces, shedding with fellow musicians, meditating somewhere near water, or "generally being Black while in nature".

Having lived in the Twin Cities for the better part of 12 years, MMYYKK has been able to "tap in with a dope community of artists and activists pretty early on" and witness first-hand how much the area has been enriched by the Black community. Read his guide below to see some of his favourite Black-owned businesses and community spaces in the city.

This is a staple Black-owned restaurant in North Minneapolis. They definitely keep non-traditional hours but if you catch them while they’re open, you’re going to want to try the “Soul Roll.” Basically, it’s an egg roll but with unique soul-food inspired filling combinations. My favorite is the “Nanny”, which has a Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, and Fried Chicken filling. **Chef's kiss*

Located in the Greater Rondo area in St. Paul, Taste of Rondo is a Bar and Grill with great Soul food and southern cooking. Their signature dish is catfish but they also make a mean philly sandwich, which is my favorite item on their menu. The restaurant has also been featured in Small Business Revolution Season 6.

Black Table Arts is a community driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis. They have a great bookstore, shared workspace and a performance space. It’s a really great place to connect with other artists and organizers and they offer dope arts activities and events. I’ve purchased some great literature from them.

Juxtaposition Arts (or Juxta as we call it) is a teen-staffed art and design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio space in North Minneapolis. Juxta does a lot of great work with youth in the community and really empowers young artists to become entrepreneurs. They also have a skate park that anyone can access and use at any time which is super dope. I’ve actually played a show in the skate park and it was a great time.

FYI, the location changes every month! The Black Market mpls is an organization that creates marketplace events specifically for black businesses around the twin cities. They are super dope because they give black businesses that may not have a brick and mortar location, a place where they can regularly set up and sell products or services.

They hold events usually once or twice a month and there’s usually a great diversity of products. I’ve purchased fresh produce, skin and hair care products, men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry and cosmetics, body work, cleaning products, books, vinyl, all sorts of great products. The location changes month to month so make sure you check their website for the location info and schedule.

One of the only black owned music venues in the twin cities, Pimento Rum Bar is a great place to find black music, entertainment and events. They have Afrobeatz nights, Dancehall, Reggae, Afro-cuban bands, open mic events, karaoke, etc. They have a really nice patio and stage setup in the back where they host bands in the summertime. When you come to turn up, make sure you grab a Rum Punch from the bar. But be careful because it will get you there QUICK. They also have a restaurant attached where they serve Jamaican food. The restaurant has some of the most fire Wings in the cities.

Houston White is a Barber, entrepreneur and community leader. And his barber shop is one of the dopest spots in the cities. Not just because he’s an amazing barber and does great work, but he also has a storefront where you can buy his branded ‘Black Excellence’ apparel; and a 3rd space where folks can chill, listen to music, engage and exchange ideas. Houston is just a really good dude and his vibe permeates the space. He’s been a supporter of mine for many years as well and I have mad love and respect for him and everything he does in the community.

For the ladies, Beauty Lounge is a fantastic salon owned by my friend Melissa Taylor. It really is THE Minneapolis multi-cultural hair destination. They can work with any hair texture and also offer workshops on styling hair for kids as well as more advanced training for hair professionals. Melissa is super dope and really has a passion for what she does so if you’re looking to level up your look definitely stop in.

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MMYYKK’s Guide to Black Businesses in Minneapolis

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