Here’s Your Guide To Buying Black For NBA All-Star Weekend In Chicago
Whew, so let me tell ya'll a story...
A couple weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media, when I came across an oddly incomplete list of Chicago black-owned businesses for the upcoming NBA All-Star weekend (February 14-16). The purpose of the list was to encourage black dollars to go to black establishments while in town. I didn't know who made it, I didn't have any details as to why it was constructed the way it was. I just remember wondering why is this list missing so many places? Especially with living here and knowing that Chicago is filled with culture and food and a plethora of bomb places that we'd be happy to direct everyone to.
I knew we needed a little bit more for the people.
So, on a whim, I decided to make a list. And with complete disclosure, guys: this list was premature, rushed, and ideally only to be used as a point-of-reference for out-of-towners amongst the maybe 50 people—max—that I expected to see it.
But instead, it went viral. Imperfections and all.
Giphy
And the more eyes that were on it, the more feedback and chaos that ensued. From interrogations as to why their favorite place isn't listed, to spelling errors, I real life heard it all. And all the criticism was understandable—I mean, if you're gonna do it, do it right. But through all critiques, I ultimately found myself inspired because, if anything, I learned that there's a very high-demand for FUBU establishments.
This, in addition to all the recent news of the league, is why I decided to create a black-owned business guide, with full intentions of this one being seen. We've been surrounded by a sense of community through an unfortunate tragedy. Let's build upon our sense of community and support—from the outside, in.
So, whether you plan to stay downtown, or decide to venture out, be sure to bust out this guide as an aid to pulling up to all the best black-owned dining, shopping, beauty, and even philanthropic spots that Chicago has to offer. We'll see you in the Windy City!
Disclaimer: This list is only a guide, and these businesses were selections. It is not a full list of every black owned business in Chicago. Feel free to promote your favorite places that aren't listed, or your favorites that are!
Featured image by Shutterstock
- 11 Places To Buy Black This Season - xoNecole: Women's Interest ... ›
- It Was All A Dream: How A Girl From Chicago's Westside Uses Soul ... ›
- The History Of #BlackOwned Business Signs In Chicago | WBEZ ›
- This Instagram Account Spotlights Chicago's Black-Owned ... ›
- Minority and Women Owned Businesses in Chicago | About ALA ›
- How to Spend a Day in Black-Owned Chicago - Travel Noire ›
- Back to Black: 24 Black-owned restaurants on Chicago's North Side ... ›
- Top 10 Black Owned Companies In Chicago – Preview Chicago ›
- 30 Black Owned Businesses in Chicago | SHOPPE BLACK ›
- 10 Black-Owned Businesses You Should Be Visiting in Chicago ›
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Tyler James Williams Explains Why His And Quinta Brunson 'Abbott Elementary' Characters Should Remain Friends
While Abbott Elementary fans are hoping that Janine and Gregory end up together, the show’s star has another take. Tyler James Williams plays Gregory on the Emmy award-winning sitcom, and he recently stopped by The Jennifer Hudson Show to share his point of view on his storyline with Janine, which Quinta Brunson plays.
“I hate to say it. I know that everybody’s always mad at me for this. I don’t necessarily want to see them together,” he revealed. “It’s partially an actor’s choice, but also somebody who, like, I read a lot of scripts all the time. I watch a lot of TV, a lot of film. I don’t think that we see displays of platonic love between two people often. I think it’s really easy to go right to they have feelings for each other, therefore they should be together. I like this dynamic of exploring withholding that and just actively loving each other where they are. That I like to see more.”
If you recall, they were co-workers who became friends but were secretly crushing on each other. They’ve had many awkward run-ins during and after school, like the unforgettable club scene where they were dancing nervously with each other in season one, and in season two, they finally kiss. However, it only made things even more awkward, and they decided to just be friends. Tyler further explained why he thinks it’s important to showcase that type of relationship on screen.
“I think it’s time for that. I think TV allows people to see things that could be their lives for the first time, and I think seeing a healthy friendship that is deeply caring about one another in a work atmosphere needs to be shown more than the relationship,” he concluded.
Abbott Elementary comes on every Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images