By Jordan Bankston, NABJ Monitor Digital
While visiting Cleveland for the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists, attendees are encouraged to experience the city’s Black culture.
However, members are focused on the convention and don’t have much time to plan excursions. Here is a guide to find Black-owned businesses in Cleveland:
Zanzibar Soul Fusion
Located in the heart of downtown, Zanzibar Soul Fusion is a casual full service restaurant offering upscale soul food.
The menu consists of specialties like smothered ribeye, BBQ beef shank, soulful pasta, macaroni & cheese, candied yams and collard greens. Zanzibar was founded by Angie’s family who is founder of Angie’s Soul Cafe.
Address: 627 Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115
Hours of operation: Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Check out their Instagram here!
This is BLK CLE
For members that want to dive into the history of Black culture in Cleveland, This is BLK CLE is a guided tour company that offers themed tours, teaches Juneteenth history, and spotlights Black-owned businesses.
Tours are one hour and 30 minutes each, ranging from $15 – $30 individually.
Thursday they have a walking tour of Downtown Cleveland that starts at 5:30 p.m. The tour starts at Public Square, which is a 5-minute walk from the convention.
Address: Serving the Greater Cleveland Region, Cleveland, OH, 44114
Check out their Instagram here!
Framed Gallery
Framed Gallery is an art exhibition that specifically showcases the work of dozens of local and international Black artists. The studio contains a variety of textured canvas paintings, wooden and clay sculptures, and contemporary art harnessing innovative techniques such as 3D printing, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
The gallery contributes to community engagement by hosting events such as artist talks, opening receptions, and workshops. Located in the Waterloo Art District, this establishment shows a world of unique art displayed through African and African American Culture.
However, until Sept. 22, they are open for appointments only so be sure to call before going.
Address: 15813 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110
Hours of operation: Friday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. & Saturday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 216-832-5101
Check out their Instagram here!
The Vegan Doughnut Company
With only a 14-minute drive from the convention center, this Black-owned vegan spot is run by two sisters: Kharisma and Kyra Mayo. The bakery offers over 10 flavors of doughy goodness, like Raspberry Lemon Cream and Triple Chocolate Cake.
The donuts are 100% vegan, meaning no animal products are used. They take pride in using their homemade jams, custards and creams, while using no preservatives and cooking with zero trans fat.
The sisters strive for taking care of animals, the earth and their customers, while being able to enjoy a sweet treat.
Address: 14811 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Hours of operation: Wednesday to Friday:7 a.m. – 3 p.m. & Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Check out their Instagram here!
Angie’s Soul Cafe
Angie’s Soul Cafe is a southern-style food concept that traces back to the late 1970s. Since then, her family has expanded to multiple locations across Cleveland, including one on Carnegie Avenue, an emerging business district that is a 12-minute drive from downtown.
According to their website, founder Angleen Jeter, known as Angie, said she makes everything from scratch, bringing the small town tradition of cooking from her hometown of Santuck, South Carolina. The restaurant serves smothered pork chops, fried chicken, mac and cheese, candied yams and collard greens. They also sell desserts like peach cobbler, banana pudding and sweet potato pie.
Address: 7815 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Check out their Instagram here!
The Crispy Chick
The Crispy Chick specializes in one thing: fresh‑made chicken tenders. Entrees are served alongside crinkle‑cut fries, garlic‑butter toast, coleslaw and a signature housemade sauce.
The tenders are cooked deep fried with bold seasoning. It will provide chicken raised without hormones or antibiotics at affordable prices according to their website.
The family friendly fast food restaurant is a 12-minute drive from downtown
Address: 5618 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sunday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Check out their Instagram here!
Mama Joyce’s
Mama Joyce’s is a soul food restaurant located in Cleveland Heights, about a 25-minute drive from the convention center.
The restaurant serves classics like: red beans and rice, wing dings, and collard greens. They describe their 5-cheese baked mac-n-cheese as “the star of the show,” according to their website.
Address: 2238 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Check out their Instagram here!
Be the first to comment