Black excellence is something that should be celebrated every day. Black History Month not only honors that excellence but places it front and center. In that spirit, I invite you to visit one or more places in this directory and take the time to respectfully experience the culture and the beauty it offers the world.
Restaurants
- Blue Room: This cozy yet sophisticated restaurant, owned by Jennifer Freitas Harris and Michael Harris, delivers a lively atmosphere with a robust menu and a soundtrack of jazz and R&B. It is an ideal spot for date night or a night out with friends. Check out their events calendar to plan the perfect evening. 2197 Broad Street, Cranston, 424-9966, theblueroom.com.
- The District: An extension of Freitas Harris’ and Harris’ vision, The District serves as The Blue Room’s daytime counterpart, with a focus on brunch and lunch. Best known for its delicious oven-baked pizzas, the restaurant weaves its mission of creating unforgettable experiences into every dish. Beyond pizza, the menu includes artisanal sandwiches, fall-off-the-bone wings, and refreshing salads. 54 South St., Providence, 521-5000, thedistrictri.com.
- The Village: After seventeen years in business, The Village continues to impress Rhode Islanders with authentic Nigerian cuisine. Along with impeccable dine-in service, they offer catering for special events. Visit one of their three locations for a truly memorable experience. 200 Main St., Pawtucket, 727-8444. 100 Fountain St., Providence, 270-3000. 957 W Shore Rd., Warwick, 481-1957. thevillagerestaurantri.com.
- Sarcastic Sweets: A bakery on wheels, Sarcastic Sweets is owned by Nina Reed, a Johnson & Wales University alumna who brings warmth and culture to every treat. Reed blends her Alaskan and Southern Roots with Italian, French and Caribbean influences to create a playful, vibrant selection of sweets with attitude. 560 Mineral Springs Ave., Ste 2117, Pawtucket, 368-5458, sarcasticsweets.com.
Bar & Drinks
- 148 Pavillion Bar & Lounge: Not only a casual restaurant but also a laid-back bar with trendy, cozy vibes all night. Known for its must-try wings and strong cocktails, this place makes a great hangout spot with friends. 148 Pavilion Ave., Providence, 467-0148, fb.com/148Pavillion.
- Troop PVD: Troop PVD is a Black, Indigenous, and White-owned business that celebrates street culture through its creative menu and cocktails and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere exemplified with a sense of community and artistry. Regular live music and regional hip-hop nights make this dynamic spot a cornerstone of the music community as well. 60 Valley St., Providence, 473-2900. trooppvd.com.
- Suya Joint: Fresh, authentic West African cuisine that offers office catering, party catering, and family-style meal options. Owned by James Beard Foundation 2024 Semifinalist, Cecelia Lizotte, this restaurant is a taste of Nigeria in the Ocean State. 320 Westminster St. Providence, 217-2994, suyajoint.com.
- The Point Tavern: Your friendly neighborhood bar with just enough buzz to feel active. This is the place where locals gather for well-crafted cocktails and a cozy setting perfect for late-night hangouts. 302 Wickenden St., Providence, 751-4900, thepointtavernpvd.com.
Health & Beauty
- Bottega Yoga: Owner and yoga instructor Aubrey Rodman shares her passion for yoga by helping clients stay grounded and present in the moment. She believes yoga can be as powerful as laughter, so her classes balance humor and spirituality. 730 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield, 389-6996, bottegayoga.com.
- Soulita: Providence-based founders Evan Delpeceh and Lexus Fernandez came together to craft a brand that focuses on natural aging and organic, healing self-care. Their goals align with distributing simple vegan products that highlight the raw beauty of nature. You can shop online or in-store. 229 Westminster St, Providence, 563-2986, soulita.com.
- Donahue Models: Yemi Sekoni has been helming this diverse modeling agency longer than anyone in the local business. They work with large corporates and small locals, and mentor related start-ups in the community. donahuemodels.com
- Major Essence: As a hair and skin black-owned business in the Ocean State, Major Essence offers high-quality organic products handcrafted with fresh, clean ingredients. Their products are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free, offering a transparent and honest front to their customers. 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, 405-4840. majoressence.com.
- Scentique RI: RI’s first candle and fragrance studio, where guests can create their own personalized candle from scratch. Plan the perfect girls’ night out at Scentique RI and get creative with different scent combinations. 136 Taunton Ave., East Providence, 328-5784, scentiqueri.com.
Shop
- LOLA Fashion Boutique: An eclectic fashion boutique featuring vintage finds alongside international, colorful and stylish designs for dresses, jewelry, shoes, and handbags. instagram.com/lolaprovidence. 120 N Main St, PVD.
- AYA Africa: Nestled inside Providence Place, AYA Africa is an authentic traditional clothing store, also offering accessories and skin care items. 78 Providence Pl, Providence, 414-7029.
- Public Shop and Gallery: African- and Latina-owned, this space celebrates artistry through art exhibitions and exposure. They are also a retail shop that sells products from RI’s local artists. 50 Agnes St., #101, Providence. publicpvd.com.
Online Marketplace
- Omoge Cosmetics: Named after the Yoruba term that means “beautiful young lady,” Omoge is a beauty brand specializing in fluttery lashes and cosmetics that enhance natural features. It is also an inclusive space that welcomes anyone interested in makeup because beauty has no limits. omogecosmetics.com.
- Roam Loud: An activewear brand founded by Liberian-Nigerian American, Toyin Omisore. Born and raised in Providence, Omisore created a brand that places brown skin at the center of the stage and celebrates its beauty. roamloud.com.
- Sunu Body: Founded by Zainabou Thiam, a first-generation Senegalese-American woman, Sunu Body is a brand rooted in self-love for the body, mind and culture. Sunu Body’s products are ethically sourced organic ingredients that are then handcrafted by West African women. sunubody.com.
- The Afro-Indigenous Vegan: Plant-based brand focused on celebrating vegan living and African cuisine. It promotes ethical consumption and a sense of community that is brought together after every bite. theaivegan.com.
- War is Blind: A streetwear brand founded by 20-year-old Richie, whose clothing emits bold branding and lifestyle-driven designs. This youthful project highlights identity, self-expression and streetwear. warisblind.com.